Head Of Animal Research Articles

Thermal response in Boer goats differing in coat colour

Context The coat is the first defense layer protecting animals from direct sunlight, influencing radiant-heat absorption and loss. Dark coat colour may increase animal heat impact because of higher absorption of solar radiation. Aims We investigated the impact of pigmentation intensity on the heads of animals and their thermal responses to solar radiation. Furthermore, we compared the thermal responses between dark and light brown-coloured animals, to determine whether the duration of sun and shade exposure (3 h each) is sufficient to differentiate the heat gain and losses between the two groups. Methods The effect of coat colour on rectal and surface temperatures in Boer goats, classified according to their head pigmentation pattern as dark (DB, N = 11) or light brown (LB, N = 11), exposed to sun and shade, was evaluated. The animals’ body and head surface temperatures were measured the same day before, during, and after sun exposure by using infrared thermography. Individual thermographic images were analysed by body regions (rump, leg, neck) and head areas (eye, ear, upper and lower part of the head, and the muzzle). Key results During solar radiation, all measured variables increased. In the shade, the rump, leg, and neck surfaces remained elevated, whereas the head area cooled down faster, with the highest temperature changes measured for the ear of about 10%. Most surface cooling occurred within 30 min after returning to the shade. Coat colour groups differed only in higher overall muzzle temperature of DB than that of LB goats (P = 0.048). Correlations between rectal and surface temperatures were low to medium, ranging from −0.02 (eye) to 0.31 (muzzle). Conclusions The head area is suggested as the important thermal window for heat dissipation and selective brain cooling. Light brown-headed animals were more efficient in eliminating the heat gained from solar radiation when returned to shade. Implications The colouration of the animal’s head may play an important role for its heat tolerance. As an easy-to-recognise characteristic, coat colour can serve as a selection trait for local goat populations. In view of global warming, selection for lighter coat colour in domestic ruminants may also become important even under temperate climates.

Small animal brain surgery with neither a brain atlas nor a stereotaxic frame

BackgroundStereotaxic surgery is a cornerstone in brain research for the precise positioning of electrodes and probes, but its application is limited to species with available brain atlases and tailored stereotaxic frames. Addressing this limitation, we introduce an alternative technique for small animal brain surgery that requires neither an aligned brain atlas nor a stereotaxic frame. New methodThe new method requires an ex-vivo high-contrast MRI brain scan of one specimen and access to a micro-CT scanner. The process involves attaching miniature markers to the skull, followed by CT scanning of the head. Subsequently, MRI and CT images are co-registered using standard image processing software and the targets for brain recordings are marked in the MRI image. During surgery, the animal's head is stabilized in any convenient orientation, and the probe’s 3D position and angle are tracked using a multi-camera system. We have developed a software that utilizes the on-skull markers as fiducial points to align the CT/MRI 3D model with the surgical positioning system, and in turn instructs the surgeon how to move the probe to reach the targets within the brain. ResultsOur technique allows the execution of insertion tracks connecting two points in the brain. We successfully applied this method for neuropixels probe positioning in owls, quails, and mice, demonstrating its versatility. Comparison with existing methodsWe present an alternative to traditional stereotaxic brain surgeries that does not require established stereotaxic tools. Thus, this method is especially of advantage for research in non-standard and novel animal models.

Fluorescence microscopy for brain activity imaging: one-photon microscopy and its application to pharmacological research

The development of genetically-encoded fluorescent probes for the detection of intracellular calcium ions and various neurotransmitters has progressed significantly in recent years, and there is a growing need for techniques that rapidly and efficiently image these signals in the living brain for pharmacological studies of the central nervous system. In this article, we discuss one-photon fluorescence microscopy techniques used for brain activity imaging, particularly wide-field imaging and head-mounted miniaturized microscopy, and introduce their basic principles, recent advances, and applications in pharmacological research. Wide-field calcium imaging is suitable for mesoscopic observation of cortical activity during behavioral tasks in head-fixed awake mice, while head-mounted miniaturized microscopes can be attached to the animal's head to image brain activity associated with naturalistic behaviors such as social behavior and sleep. One-photon microscopy allows for the development of a simple and cost-effective imaging system using an affordable excitation light source such as a light-emitting diode. Its excitation light illuminates the entire field of view simultaneously, making it easy to perform high-speed imaging using a high-sensitivity camera. In contrast, the short wavelength of the excitation light limits the field of observation to areas on or near the brain surface due to its strong light scattering. Moreover, the out-of-focus fluorescence makes it difficult to obtain images with a high signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution. The use of one-photon microscopy in brain activity imaging has been limited compared to two-photon microscopy, but its advantages have recently been revisited. Therefore, this technique is expected to become a useful method for pharmacologists to visualize the activity of the living brain.

Helminthofauna and biopotential of <i>E. Granulosus Batsch cysts, 1789</i> in yaks of the North Caucasian ecotype

The domestic yak (Bos grunniens) is a two-humped hoofed mammal from the genus of true bulls. In 1973-1974, domestic yak was imported from the Alai Valley (Kyrgyzstan) and to the North Caucasus, in particular, to Kabardino-Balkaria, KarachayCherkessia, Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia and North Ossetia-Alania. In Russia, yaks are found in animal husbandry in Tuva (more than 20 thousand heads), in Buryatia and Altai, in Karachay-Cherkessia (upper reaches of the Ullu-Ezen River) - more than 1.5 thousand heads, in Kabardino-Balkaria (Bezengi tract). 30 heads of animals were examined. All studies were performed by methods of complex helminthoscopy, in accordance with GOST R 54627-2011 "Agricultural ruminant animals. Methods of laboratory diagnosis of helminthiasis" Monitoring of the helminth fauna in yaks of the North Caucasian ecotype showed the presence of 24 species: trematodes - 3, cestodes - 5, nematodes - 16 species. Upon opening the internal organs of 30 individuals, 9 heads (30.0%) turned out to be infected with worms’ helminths, which is recorded with fluctuations in occurrence rates from 8.0 to 30.0% with a variation in abundance from 2.0 ± 0.3 to 547.0 ± 19.2 copies. per individual. The extent of echinococcal invasion in yaks of the North Caucasian ecotype was 10.0 % with an average invasion intensity of 13.6 ± 1.2 specimens. on the head. In the liver and lungs of yaks, all 66.2% of echinococcal cysts in the liquid sediment contained protoscolexes, and 33.8% of the cysts were acephalocysts without protoscolexes. Literature data confirm the without protoscolexes. Literature data confirm the simultaneous detection of a cystic form of echinococcosis of the liver and lungs caused by Echinococcus granulosus Batsch, 1789 (with protoscolexes and acephalocysts without protoscolexes) in yaks of the North Caucasian ecotype, which causes the likelihood of the formation of natural foci of echinococcosis in the highaltitude zone of the Caspian Sea with the participation of stray dogs and wild predators (wolf, jackal, etc.).

The effect of the IL-6 monoclonal blocker on the course of aseptic femoral head necrosis in the experiment (pilot study)

Background There is currently no pathogenetically based treatment for aseptic necrosis of the femoral head. One of the most promising areas of possible targeted therapy is the use of genetically engineered drugs, including monoclonal blockers of proinflammatory cytokines, aimed at inhibiting inflammation and indirectly reducing the activity of osteodestruction. The aim of the work is to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of the IL-6 monoclonal blocker in the course of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head in an experiment.Purpose Evaluate the preliminary results of the use of the IL-6 monoclonal blocker in the course of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head in an experiment.Materials and methods Surgical induction of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head was performed in 18 male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into two groups of 9 individuals each. The first group did not receive any treatment, the second received therapy with a monoclonal IL-6 receptor blocker, starting from the second week of the experiment, one injection once every two weeks. All animals were removed from the experiment at 4, 6 and 8 weeks after the induction of aseptic necrosis, 3 rats from each group at a time. Total RNA was isolated from the femoral head on the aseptic necrosis side and the conditionally healthy side as a control. The expression of genes of regulatory proteins of osteogenesis was studied by PCR. To study the features of osteodestructive processes, histological examination of femoral head preparations in all animals was conducted.Results Histological preparations of femoral heads of the second group animals were characterized by less pronounced osteodestructive, chondrodestructive processes compared to the animals that did not receive therapy. The mRNA profile of the rats of the second group displayed an increase in the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in osteoreparation at all stages of the experiment. At the same time, the activity of genes encoding proteins of proinflammatory cytokines, regulatory molecules of osteoclastogenesis was reduced relative to the first group.Discussion The data obtained indicate an important role of inflammation in the regulation of osteodestruction. Inhibition of the biological action of IL-6 contributed to inhibition of the expression of osteoclastogenesis genes, increased activity of bone metabolism genes, and caused a decrease in the intensity of osteodestruction and activation of osteoreparation. Conclusion Preliminary results of the use of a monoclonal blocker of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 indicate the inhibition of osteodestructive and strengthening of osteoreparative processes due to the correction of the expression of bone metabolism genes during the progression of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head in rats in an experimental model.

Hyperpolarization-activated currents drive neuronal activation sequences in sleep

Sequential neuronal patterns are believed to support information processing in the cortex, yet their origin is still a matter of debate. We report that neuronal activity in the mouse postsubiculum (PoSub), where a majority of neurons are modulated by the animal's head direction, was sequentially activated along the dorsoventral axis during sleep at the transition from hyperpolarized "DOWN" to activated "UP" states, while representing a stable direction. Computational modeling suggested that these dynamics could be attributed to a spatial gradient of hyperpolarization-activated currents (Ih), which we confirmed in exvivo slice experiments and corroborated in other cortical structures. These findings open up the possibility that varying amounts of Ih across cortical neurons could result in sequential neuronal patterns and that traveling activity upstream of the entorhinal-hippocampal circuit organizes large-scale neuronal activity supporting learning and memory during sleep.

A Reinterpretation of the ‘Dragon’ Images on the Sutton Hoo Shield as Images of Wolves

The 7th-century Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo includes a shield with a plaque (London, British Museum, inv. no. 1939,1010.94.B.1) that depicts an animal that researchers usually describe as a winged dragon. However, it does not resemble other early medieval dragon depictions. Comparison with contemporaneous art executed in the same style (Salin’s Style II) indicates that the so-called ‘dragon’ is more likely to have been meant as a wolf. The same shield bore three depictions of animal heads that are identical to that on the plaque in question, which has led to the assumption that they too represent dragon heads. The reinterpretation of the animal on the plaque as a wolf suggests that these three other heads are also stylized wolf heads.

Genetic mechanism regulating diversity in the placement of eyes on the head of animals

Despite the conservation of genetic machinery involved in eye development, there is a strong diversity in the placement of eyes on the head of animals. Morphogen gradients of signaling molecules are vital to patterning cues. During Drosophila eye development, Wingless (Wg), a ligand of Wnt/Wg signaling, is expressed anterolaterally to form a morphogen gradient to determine the eye- versus head-specific cell fate. The underlying mechanisms that regulate this process are yet to be fully understood. We characterized defective proventriculus (dve) (Drosophila ortholog of human SATB1), a K50 homeodomain transcription factor, as a dorsal eye gene, which regulates Wg signaling to determine eye versus head fate. Across Drosophila species, Dve is expressed in the dorsal head vertex region where it regulates wg transcription. Second, Dve suppresses eye fate by down-regulating retinal determination genes. Third, the dve-expressing dorsal head vertex region is important for Wg-mediated inhibition of retinal cell fate, as eliminating the Dve-expressing cells or preventing Wg transport from these dve-expressing cells leads to a dramatic expansion of the eye field. Together, these findings suggest that Dve regulates Wg expression in the dorsal head vertex, which is critical for determining eye versus head fate. Gain-of-function of SATB1 exhibits an eye fate suppression phenotype similar to Dve. Our data demonstrate a conserved role for Dve/SATB1 in the positioning of eyes on the head and the interocular distance by regulating Wg. This study provides evidence that dysregulation of the Wg morphogen gradient results in developmental defects such as hypertelorism in humans where disproportionate interocular distance and facial anomalies are reported.

Real-Time Assessment of Rodent Engagement Using ArUco Markers: A Scalable and Accessible Approach for Scoring Behavior in a Nose-Poking Go/No-Go Task.

In the field of behavioral neuroscience, the classification and scoring of animal behavior play pivotal roles in the quantification and interpretation of complex behaviors displayed by animals. Traditional methods have relied on video examination by investigators, which is labor-intensive and susceptible to bias. To address these challenges, research efforts have focused on computational methods and image-processing algorithms for automated behavioral classification. Two primary approaches have emerged: marker- and markerless-based tracking systems. In this study, we showcase the utility of "Augmented Reality University of Cordoba" (ArUco) markers as a marker-based tracking approach for assessing rat engagement during a nose-poking go/no-go behavioral task. In addition, we introduce a two-state engagement model based on ArUco marker tracking data that can be analyzed with a rectangular kernel convolution to identify critical transition points between states of engagement and distraction. In this study, we hypothesized that ArUco markers could be utilized to accurately estimate animal engagement in a nose-poking go/no-go behavioral task, enabling the computation of optimal task durations for behavioral testing. Here, we present the performance of our ArUco tracking program, demonstrating a classification accuracy of 98% that was validated against the manual curation of video data. Furthermore, our convolution analysis revealed that, on average, our animals became disengaged with the behavioral task at ∼75 min, providing a quantitative basis for limiting experimental session durations. Overall, our approach offers a scalable, efficient, and accessible solution for automated scoring of rodent engagement during behavioral data collection.

Comparison of head direction cell firing characteristics across thalamo-parahippocampal circuitry.

Head direction (HD) cells, which fire persistently when an animal's head is pointed in a particular direction, are widely thought to underlie an animal's sense of spatial orientation and have been identified in several limbic brain regions. Robust HD cell firing is observed throughout the thalamo-parahippocampal system, although recent studies report that parahippocampal HD cells exhibit distinct firing properties, including conjunctive aspects with other spatial parameters, which suggest they play a specialized role in spatial processing. Few studies, however, have quantified these apparent differences. Here, we performed a comparative assessment of HD cell firing characteristics across the anterior dorsal thalamus (ADN), postsubiculum (PoS), parasubiculum (PaS), medial entorhinal (MEC), and postrhinal (POR) cortices. We report that HD cells with a high degree of directional specificity were observed in all five brain regions, but ADN HD cells display greater sharpness and stability in their preferred directions, and greater anticipation of future headings compared to parahippocampal regions. Additional analysis indicated that POR HD cells were more coarsely modulated by other spatial parameters compared to PoS, PaS, and MEC. Finally, our analyses indicated that the sharpness of HD tuning decreased as a function of laminar position and conjunctive coding within the PoS, PaS, and MEC, with cells in the superficial layers along with conjunctive firing properties showing less robust directional tuning. The results are discussed in relation to theories of functional organization of HD cell tuning in thalamo-parahippocampal circuitry.

The significance of shooting angle in seal shooting.

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between shooting angle to the head and animal welfare outcomes in the hunt of young harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus). The study population consisted of young harp seals belonging to the Greenland Sea harp seal population. A sample of 171, 2-7 weeks old, weaned harp seals of both sexes were included. The study was conducted as an open, randomised parallel group designed trial during the regular hunt. The animals were allocated into four groups, A-D, according to the observed shooting angle to the head, defined as the angle between the direction of the shot and the longitudinal axis of the animal's head: (A) directly from the front; (B) obliquely from the front; (C) directly from the side; and (D) obliquely or directly from behind. Instantaneous death rate (IDR) and time to death (TTD) were the main variables. The mean IDR differed significantly between groups and was highest in group B (96.8%) and lowest in group C (66.7%). For all groups combined it was 84.2%. The mean TTD for seals not rendered instantaneously unconscious or dead (n = 27) differed significantly between groups and was shortest in group A (16 s) and longest in group C (85 s). However, the number of animals included in the TTD analysis was limited. In conclusion, based on the significantly higher IDR, the shooting angle obliquely from the front is recommended to help achieve the best animal welfare outcomes during the hunt of young harp seals.

Legal assessment of ingrown horns and other horn-related anomalies in cattle and sheep.

Cattle and sheep horns have the potential to grow in such a way that the horn bends toward the animal's head and, if left untreated, may penetrate the skin, causing pressure, pain, and suffering. According to the Swedish Animal Welfare Act, animals must be looked after in a way that prevents ingrown horns; otherwise, the person responsible for the animal may be prosecuted. Here, we present a review of 32 legal cases that occurred in Sweden between 2008 and 2022 for which the charge involved horn-related anomalies in cattle or sheep. The aim being to investigate the nature of these horn-related anomalies and the circumstances under which they occur. Of the legal cases, 53% were discovered during official animal welfare control on farms and 44% at an abattoir during pre-slaughter inspection. These include extreme injuries, e.g. both horns penetrating the periosteum into the skull bone, or a horn penetrating into the eye or oral cavity. The reasons offered by the accused for failing to detect animals with horn-related anomalies included that the animal appeared normal, that it was long-haired, shy, or hard to reach, or that the horns had not undergone gradual growth but had accidentally or suddenly penetrated the skin. Overall, 81% of the cases led to convictions; however, none of these resulted in imprisonment. Reasons for acquittals included insufficient crime description or evidence as to how the horn-related anomaly occurred or of the animal being exposed to suffering. A number of recommendations are provided that could help limit the occurrence of ingrown horns.

Assessment of orofacial nociceptive behaviors of mice with the sheltering tube method: Oxaliplatin-induced mechanical and cold allodynia in orofacial regions.

Preclinical studies on pathological pain rely on the von Frey test to examine changes in mechanical thresholds and the acetone spray test to determine alterations in cold sensitivity in rodents. These tests are typically conducted on rodent hindpaws, where animals with pathological pain show reliable nocifensive responses to von Frey filaments and acetone drops applied to the hindpaws. Pathological pain in orofacial regions is also an important clinical problem and has been investigated with rodents. However, performing the von Frey and acetone spray tests in the orofacial region has been challenging, largely due to the high mobility of the head of testing animals. To solve this problem, we implemented a sheltering tube method to assess orofacial nociception in mice. In experiments, mice were sheltered in elevated tubes, where they were well accommodated because the tubes provided safe shelters for mice. Examiners could reliably apply mechanical stimuli with von Frey filament, cold stimuli with acetone spray, and light stimuli with a laser beam to the orofacial regions. We validated this method in Nav1.8-ChR2 mice treated with oxaliplatin that induced peripheral neuropathy. Using the von Frey test, orofacial response frequencies and nociceptive response scores were significantly increased in Nav1.8-ChR2 mice treated with oxaliplatin. In the acetone spray test, the duration of orofacial responses was significantly prolonged in oxaliplatin-treated mice. The response frequencies to laser light stimulation were significantly increased in Nav1.8-ChR2 mice treated with oxaliplatin. Our sheltering tube method allows us to reliably perform the von Frey, acetone spray, and optogenetic tests in orofacial regions to investigate orofacial pain.

Genetic profile and association of candidate gene polymorphism with productivity of Kalmyk cattle

The research was carried out in the laboratory of molecular genetic examination of the RNPC on reproduction of farm animals of the KalmSU named after B. B. Gorodovikov. The purpose of the research was to study the genetic profile and identify the influence of polymorphic candidate genes on the selection and breeding qualities of Kalmyk breed cattle. Analysis of these results by PCR-PDRF of Kalmyk bulls by the Tg locus revealed that 31% of 80 animal heads were carriers of the TT genotype associated with desirable traits, according to the GH locus in the breeding reproducer “Plodovitoye” revealed that 44% of 86 animals were carriers of the VV genotype associated with desirable economic characteristics and valuable qualities. This can be explained by the purposeful conduct of breeding work on breeding indicators in farms. Carriers of the VV genotype exceed their peers in the TT genotype by 9.1 kg (P>0.95). Based on the results obtained, it can be assumed that GH polymorphism has a positive effect on the meat productivity of Kalmyk bulls in comparison with TG.

Resveratrol showed anti-inflammatory effects on hippocampus via suppressing NFκB.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the damage to the brain caused by external blow or jolt to the head or body. TBI secondarily induces cell damage in the hippocampus. This study aimed to investigate effects of resveratrol treatment histological examination and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) expression in hippocampus after TBI. Twenty-four rats were assigned to three groups: sham, TBI and TBI+Resveratol. TBI was conducted by dropping a 50-g weight from a 1-meter height from a tube to the head of animals. 20 mg/kg resveratrol was orally administered to rats after TBI. Blood was collected to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) contents. Cerebral tissues were processed for histopathology and furtherly for immunohistochemical analysis. MDA content was significantly increased and GSH value were significantly decreased in TBI group compared to sham group. Resveratrol treatment significantly improved biochemical scores in TBI+Resveratrol group. Normal histological appearance was observed in hippocampal sections of sham group. In TBI group, neurons in hippocampus were degenerated. Their nuclei were pyknotic. Other neurons and supportive neuroglial cells in hippocampal proper and dentate gyrus were also disrupted. Hippocampal proper integrity was lost with vascular dilatation. NFκB was upregulated in hippocampal neurons of TBI group. Resveratrol treatment alleviated pathologies and downregulated NFκB expression in hippocampus. TBI caused adverse alterations in free radicals' balance system and histological structures of hippocampus. Resveratrol with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects reduced the damage caused by TBI.

Methodological aspects of forensic commodity examination of live animals

The article is devoted to the generalisation of methodological approaches to the forensic commodity examination of live animals. It is determined that the main stages of the examination are: 1) verification of compliance of the characteristics of the object of study with the data provided in the case file; 2) determination of the value characteristics of the animal: age, breed, sex, colour, physical condition (weight, assessment of appearance), as well as examination of documents certifying the animal’s pedigree (if any); if it is necessary to use special knowledge to assess the physical condition of the animal, a forensic commodity expert may request a forensic veterinary examination; 3) market price research for live animals of the same breed, age, sex, etc.; 4) preparation of a forensic commodity examination report indicating the value of the object of research. It is established that animals which are the objects of forensic commodity expertise are subject to the legal regime of a thing. It is allowed to apply the main legal acts for conducting a commodity expertise, in particular, the Law of Ukraine “On Forensic Examination” and other laws of Ukraine, the Instruction on the appointment and conduct of forensic examinations and expert studies, as well as the Methodological Recommendations on the organisation and conduct of forensic examinations of livestock, poultry and other live animals - objects of management.
 The article considers the peculiarities of applying the methods of assessment of live animals. During the examination, the expert must justify the feasibility of applying a particular approach, taking into account the purpose of the animal, its physical condition, and productivity indicators. To assess the value of domestic animals and individual heads of farm animals, it is advisable to use a comparative approach, which consists in finding out the market value of similar animals at the time of the study. For the purpose of livestock assessment, and depending on the subject matter of the claim (damage, recovery, etc.), it is advisable to take into account the amount of assessment calculated under the cost approach. When the real value of livestock depends on their productivity, it is advisable to take into account the amount of valuation determined by the income approach. This article analyses the state of information support on the basis of which such an assessment was made.

A Group of Urartu Pins from the Ahlat, Erzurum, and Van Archeology Museums

The data on ornaments and jewelry in the Kingdom of Urartu has been obtained from archaeological excavations rather than written documents. This study covers the data on the pins obtained from the Urartu centers in the Eastern Anatolia Region and mostly from their necropoleis. From this point of view, we analyzed the pins in Van, Ahlat, and Erzurum Archeology Museums in this study. Pins, one of the types of jewelry used for decoration, are generally thin, flat, cylindrical and mostly made of metal, and used for sewing clothes and attaching the ends of the clothes and the hair. The pin consists of a head, body and tip shaped in various ways. Some archaeological finds include a crown decorated with plant or animal figures on the head and elements called torus and bracelets on which it is placed. On the other hand, the body consists of a hole and a pin that tapers toward the tip. We analyzed the chronology, meanings, usage methods, and construction techniques of Urartian pins, which consist of animal heads, animal figures, fruit and plant heads, bud and knot heads, and flat heads. We obtained results by dating the settlement finds within the Urartu State’s borders and the contemporary neighboring region by conducting analogies between them. We also tried to identify the symbolic meanings Urartian pins can have as protection from evil, magic, decoration, status indicators, and the belief that the person will be protected forever after death.

Some themes in anthropomorphic and zoomorphic stone sculpture of the Mountainous Dagestan

Actuality of the article is caused by the fact that the sculptural representations of men and animals that are inserted in the walls of the structures of different function (houses, bridges, mosques) from the traditional villages of the Mountainous Dagestan are published for the first time. The aim of the research is to understand the meaning of the images in the traditional everyday life. In course of the research methods of comparative historical and typological analyze are used. Artistic cultural context of the representations is revealed. The roots of the sculptural representations re shown. Similar representations (human and animal heads) can be seen on the medieval Christian churches of Caucasus. They are also present in architectural decoration of earlier periods up to the Hellenistic culture. In case of animal heads it can be traced back to the neolithic period. To conclude it is possible to confirm that the representations were used as protective signs (apotropaios).

Environmental Stress and the Morphology of Daphnia pulex.

AbstractMorphological variation is sometimes used as an indicator of environmental stress in animals. Here, we assessed how multiple morphological traits covaried in Daphnia pulex exposed to five common forms of environmental stress (high temperature, presence of predator cues, high salinity, low food abundance, and low Ca). We measured animal body length, body width, head width, eyespot diameter, and tail spine length along with mass in animals of five different ages (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 d). There were strong allometric relationships among all morphological traits in reference animals and strong univariate effects of environmental stress on body mass and body length. We found that environmental stressors altered bivariate relationships between select pairwise combinations of morphological traits, with effects being dependent on animal age. Multivariate analyses further revealed high connectivity among body size-related traits but that eyespot diameter and tail spine length were less tightly associated with body size. Animals exposed to natural lake water with and without supplemental food also varied in morphology, with body size differences being suggestive of starvation and other unknown nutritional deficiencies. Yet our results demonstrate that the scaling of body morphological traits of Daphnia pulex is largely invariant with possible context-dependent plasticity in eye size and tail spine lengths. The strong coordination of traits indicates tight molecular coordination of body size during development despite strong and varied environmental stress.

Growth Response and Cost-benefit of Red Sokoto Goats Feedlotted on Crop Residues during Dry Season

Fifteen Red Sokoto bucks were assigned to five treatment diets designated as T1, T2I, T3, T4 and T5 with cowpea husk inclusion levels at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% to replace cowpea haulms. The feeding trial lasted for 90 days. Daily feed intake was measured by subtracting the leftover feed from the amount offered within 24 hours. Also, weight changes were measured by taking the weight of each animal at the end of the week and the weekly initial weight subtracted from it. The running cost was measured by summing all costs incurred in the production. Parameters measured were daily feed consumption, daily weight changes, daily running costs in the form of man-hour labor charges, drugs, revenue, transportation and other charges. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and net farm income (NFI) to carry out the cost-benefit analysis. Results of the research showed no significant differences (p>0.05) among the treatment means for initial body weight 5.53, 5.71, 5.87, 5.93 and 5.90 for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Feed intake varied among the treatments probably due to inclusion levels of cowpea husk. T5 had the highest feed intake (0.260kg) followed by T4 (0.25kg) and T3 (0.24kg) with significant differences (p<0.05) across treatments. Similarly, bucks on T5 performed well in terms of body weight gains (4.60kg) followed by T4 (4.13kg) and T3 (3.47kg) with significant differences (p<0.05) across treatments. The feed conversion ratio was highest in bucks on T3 (6.01) where cowpea husks and haulms inclusion were 50:50 because animals can utilize nutrient pool from both feedstuffs. Bucks on T3, T4 and T5 had the highest revenue (₦3,1600.00) followed by T1 and T2 (₦25,600.00). Profits per naira invested varied across treatment groups with T1 (₦6,850.00), T2 (₦6,700.00), T3 ₦12,800.00), T4 (₦12,650.00) and T5 (₦12,150.00). Costs per kilogram weight gain were ₦2,072.00, ₦1,881.00, ₦1,808.00, ₦1,528.00 and ₦1,409.00 for treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The economic analysis of the research showed an average gross farm income of ₦3,140.00 per head of animals which implies a profitable venture using these crop residues.