Bison Research Articles

White-tailed Deer Fecal Matter Distribution and Nutrient Contribution in Tallgrass Prairie

Herbivores can have nonconsumptive effects on ecosystems, including the redistribution of nutrients in their waste. In tallgrass prairie bison (Bison bison) historically increased soil nitrogen availability via labile waste deposits. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are now the dominant native large herbivore in prairie and have been shown to consume higher nutrient-content plants than those preferred by bison. Deer are also edge-dwelling species that reuse the trails they make as they move and browse throughout the prairie. Therefore, deer may differ from bison in their spatial patterns of nutrient content and redistribution of fecal matter. We examined the nutrient content and spatial distribution of deer pellets by measuring the number of deer pellet piles along deer trails and transects that were systematically placed at the forest border and in open prairie. We also measured the nitrogen content of deer pellets. White-tailed deer pellets had twofold greater nitrogen concentrations (3.43% N and 40.8% C) compared to values reported for bison fecal matter. Deer pellet piles were more concentrated on deer trails compared to the transects, resulting in fourfold greater N inputs on deer trails compared to areas off of trails. As a result, White-tailed deer have the potential to create patches of increased nutrient availability through their clumped distribution of nutrient rich fecal matter, with potential consequences for prairie plant communities.

Occurrence of tapeworms Moniezia benedeni (Moniez, 1879) in European bison Bison bonasus L. in Białowieża Primeval Forest

Tapeworms Moniezia benedeni are cosmopolitan parasites of wild and domestic ruminants. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of those tapeworms in European bison in Białowieża Primeval Forest. Parasitological necropsy of small intestine of 26 bison, aged from 3 months to 26 years was performed in years 2007–2011. Tapeworms M. benedeni were isolated from 11 examined animals and the prevalence of infection was estimated on 42.3%. Intensity of infection was ranging from 2 to 25 tapeworms and the mean intensity was estimated on 5.8 specimens. Prevalence in the group of calves reached 50% and in adult bison – 33.3%. Intensity of infection in calves was estimated on 2 to 5 tapeworms while in adult animals it was ranging from 1 to 2 parasites. High prevalence of tapeworms M. benedeni in European bison might result from poor condition or weak immunity of eliminated animals.

The Bison and the Cow: Food, Empire, Extinction

The Bison and the Cow: Food, Empire, Extinction

Influence of Energy and Soft Drinks on the Surface and Mechanical Properties of Nanofilled Composite Resin

Aim: To evaluate the effect of energy drinks (Redbull and Bison) and soft drinks (CocaCola and 7 Up) on the surface roughness (SR) and microhardness (MH) of Filtek Z350 nanofilled composite resin. Materials and methods: A total of 60 disk-shaped specimens were prepared from Filtek Z350 XT restorative material and randomly allocated to 5 groups (n=12). The specimens were stored in petri dish containing Redbull (Group 1); Bison (Group 2); Coca-Cola (Group 3); 7 Up (Group 4) and distilled water (Group 5/Control). The SR and hardness of the composite specimens were determined after 24 hours (n=6) and 28 d (n=6) of storage in energy and soft drinks. SR (in Ra) was measured using a non-contact optical profilometer and MH (VHN) was tested using hardness tester equipped with a Vickers diamond indenter. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS v.20 statistical analysis software. The data was analyzed using Wilcoxon sign rank test. A P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result: Group Redbull showed maximum SR at 28 days (0.30 0.11) followed by Bison at 28 days (0.21 0.09). MH test results showed specimens in distilled water with increased MH at 24 hours (114 9.4). The least MH was seen in Redbull (85 12.3) at 28 days. Conclusion: The energy drinks have a substantially damaging effect on SR and MH compared to soft drinks and distilled water; and these effects are increased with duration of exposure.

Local regulators of seasonal reproduction processes in uterus masculinus of an adult male European bison (Bison bonasus, Linnaeus 1758).

Growth factors, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and klotho protein all have very important functions in the male reproduction; however their role in the regulation of seasonal reproductive processes in the male European bison remains unclear. Similarly, although the uterus masculinus is very frequently found in the bison, its importance and functions remain unknown. It is likely that, this organ may have secretory functions and thus be a target for various regulatory factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate expression and activity of several factors: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A), fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), nerve growth factor (NGF), insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR β), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), and klotho protein in the uterus masculinus, immediately after the season of the reproductive activity (November and December). Our study reveals that the growth factor expression levels are significantly higher in November, when compared to December, while expression of HIF-1α and klotho was higher in December. These results provide novel data on differences in the expression levels of several factors in the uterus maculinus of European bison bulls after the breeding season. The described factors may, therefore, be potent regulators of the seasonal reproduction.

AMS Dating of the Late Pleistocene Mammals at the Colorado Creek Site, Interior Western Alaska

The Colorado Creek section of Alaska is an important paleontological site first excavated and reported on in the early 1980s and 1990s. The remains of two individual mammoths (the “Upper” and “Lower”), and elements of horse, bison, and caribou make this a unique faunal assemblage for a region in interior western Alaska, and the western edge of eastern Beringia. The mammoth remains were the only portions of the faunal assemblage radiocarbon dated in the 1980s. The Upper mammoth ages were widespread between 13,000 and 16,200 BP with the older dates being more accepted for the death of the individual. A single age on the Lower mammoth was produced at 22,880 14 C yr BP. New accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dates generally confirm the accepted ages for the two mammoths and provide more precise ages of 16,200 ± 50 and 22,710 ± 90 14 C yr BP for the Upper and Lower mammoths, respectively. AMS dates on caribou and horse are similar to ages on the Upper mammoth and show an overlap in their ecological ranges in interior western Alaska between 16,000 and 17,000 14 C yr BP during the Late Glacial, similar to other areas of the state. The sole AMS date on bison produced an infinite 14 C age (>43,500 14 C yr BP), considerably older than the Upper and Lower mammoths’ remains, and indicates that older deposits are present at the site. A dearth of dated Quaternary paleontological specimens from western Alaska hinders our understanding of this region’s paleoecology. This study enhances our conception of the geographic and chronological spread of late Pleistocene large terrestrial mammals in Alaska and Beringia. DOI: 10.2458/azu_rc.57.18436

The role of particular ticks developmental stages in the circulation of tick-borne pathogens in Central Europe. 4. Anaplasmataceae

In Central European conditions, two species of Anaplasmataceae have epidemiological significance – Candidatus Neoehrlichia micurensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Tick Ixodes ricinus is considered as their main vector, wild mammals as the animal reservoir. There is presented the transstadial transmission in ticks, due to the lack of transovarial mode the circulation goes mainly between immature ticks and hosts; pathogen circulates primarily in the cycle: infected rodent → the tick larva → the nymph → the mammal reservoir → the larva of the tick. The tick stages able to effectively infect human are nymphs and adult females, males do not participate in the follow transmission. The summary of available data of different A. phagocytophilum strains associations with different hosts revealed at least few distinct enzootic cycle, concern the same ticks species and different mammal hosts. It is possible to reveal in Central Europe the existence of at least three different epidemiological transmission cycles of A. phagocytophilum. The first cycle involves strains pathogenic for human and identical strains from horses, dogs, cats, wild boars, hedgehogs, possibly red foxes. The second cycle involves deer, European bison and possibly domestic ruminants. The third cycle contains strains from voles, shrew and possibly Apodemus mice. In Western Europe voles might be involved in separate enzootic cycle with Ixodes trianguliceps as the vector.

Why bison put their females in charge

Why bison put their females in charge

To infinity and beyond: tickets, please! [2013 Tech To Watch

In the high deserts of New Mexico, not far from the bi son grazing on Ted Turner's sprawling Armendaris ranch, lie some curiously otherworldly structures. The largest one presents a 15-meterhigh wall of glass on one flank, although the rest of the building appears to have buried itself in the adjacent earth, as if it had crash-landed there. Just a couple of hundred meters away sits a low-slung dome with something that resembles a giant eye budding from the top. "It almost looks like a spaceship itself," quips David Wilson, who handles media relations for the site.

Solving nonlinear solid mechanics problems with the jacobian-free newton krylov method

The solution of the equations governing solid mechanics is often obtained via Newton's method. This approach can be problematic if the determination, storage, or solution cost associated with the Jacobian is high. These challenges are magnified for multiphysics applications with many coupled variables. Jacobian-free Newton-Krylov (JFNK) methods avoid many of the difficulties associated with the Jacobian by using a finite difference approximation. BISON is a parallel, object-oriented, nonlinear solid mechanics and multiphysics application that leverages JFNK methods. We overview JFNK, outline the capabilities of BISON, and demonstrate the effectiveness of JFNK for solid mechanics and solid mechanics coupled to other PDEs using a series of demonstration problems.

A STELLAR REPRESENTATION IN THE PALEOLITHIC

In the early 70's, an extended archaeological campaign was carried out in Maremma, Tuscany, by researchers of the University of Florence. There, to the south of the Colline Metallifere, it lies a vast region, which is very rich in prehistoric remains and extends as far as the Tyrrhenian coast, westward, and Grosseto city, southward. Most archaeological finds date back to Iron Age, some thousand years b. C., and are due to the Villanovan culture and to the Etrurian civilization. The names of some among such sites are very well known, like Baratti, Vetulonia or Roselle. In the present case, the place of interest is almost unknown and it is situated in a country fea- tured by Karst formations. At the mentioned time, one of the authors (FM), as a member of archaeological team, was exploring the territory around a spot called Vado all’Arancio and discovered a natural cavity which turned out to have been inhabited in prehistoric times. Luckily, the small cave has remained sealed until then because of a landslide and therefore a large stone was, and still is, almost completely blocking the entrance. The survey work could be performed only by slithering along the ground. The following excavations conducted by FM revealed very interesting findings. First of all, there were two human burials, one adult male and one child, with the skeleton well preserved and almost complete. The graves were at different depths, not far below ground level, however. It is important to stress this aspect, because the skeletons were still composed and therefore, very probably, there had been no intrusions in the inner part of the cave ever since. Moreover they were also found various worked items, mainly stone tools and several animal bones dressed with wildlife engravings. Among these are the typical depictions of symbolic male and female, namely horse and bison, respectively. It is believed that all the worked stuff in the cave was intended to represent something observed in nature.

Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) in a European Bison (Bison Bonasus) - Anatomopathological Findings and Diagnosis

Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) in a European Bison (Bison Bonasus) - Anatomopathological Findings and Diagnosis

Evaluating Willingness‐to‐Pay for Bison Attributes: An Experimental Auction Approach

Domestic bison herds in Canada and the United States have grown rapidly over the past decade. For this growth to be sustainable, viable markets for bison meat products are necessary. Bison products are available at the retail level to only a limited extent in some localized markets. Very little is known about consumer preferences for bison in Canada. A consumer research study was conducted across five Canadian locations. An experimental auction was used to evaluate willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for bison versus beef, plus the marginal WTP for bison with additional health‐related attributes. Bison products verified to be lower in fat than beef, and bison verified to have been produced without the use of growth hormones were evaluated. Results suggest that there was no significant WTP for bison over beef, either with or without the additional quality assurances. Delivering a positive eating experience to consumers was more important than the health‐related attributes per se. Distinct market segments with significantly different WTP for bison are identified. Some regional differences are also apparent. The industry cannot rely solely on the touted health benefits of bison to deliver a competitive advantage over beef. While some consumers may be willing to pay more for these health‐related attributes, consumers in general are unlikely to compromise eating experience. Au Canada et aux États‐Unis, les troupeaux de bisons domestiques ont crû rapidement au cours de la dernière décennie. Pour que cette croissance soit durable, il faut développer des marchés viables pour le bison. Le bison est vendu au détail dans quelques marchés locaux seulement. Au Canada, les préférences des consommateurs pour le bison sont peu connues. Une étude à cet effet a été réalisée dans cinq villes canadiennes. La volonté de payer (VDP) des consommateurs pour du bison plutôt que pour du bœuf de même que la VDP marginale des consommateurs pour du bison ayant des propriétés supplémentaires pour la santé ont étéévaluées à l'aide d'enchères expérimentales. Des produits du bison ayant une teneur en gras inférieure à celle du bœuf et provenant d'élevages sans hormones de croissance ont étéévalués. Les résultats ont montré qu'il n'existait pas de VDP significative pour du bison plutôt que pour du bœuf, et ce, avec ou sans assurance de qualité supplémentaire. L'expérience alimentaire s'est révélée plus importante que les propriétés pour la santé en soi. Nous avons identifié des segments de marché distincts où la VDP pour du bison était significativement différente. Certaines différences régionales étaient aussi apparentes. L'industrie ne peut pas se fier qu'aux avantages vantés de la viande de bison pour la santé pour offrir un avantage concurrentiel par rapport au bœuf. Bien que certains consommateurs soient prêts à payer davantage pour des propriétés favorables pour la santé, il est peu probable que les consommateurs en général compromettent une nouvelle expérience alimentaire.

Bison Prehistory Revealed

Bison Prehistory Revealed

Is There Room for Free-Roaming Bison in Greater Yellowstone

Is There Room for Free-Roaming Bison in Greater Yellowstone

Of Bison and Man. By Harold P. Danz. Niwot: University Press of Colorado, 1997. xii + 231 pp. Illustrations, map, bibliography, index. $32.50

<i>Of Bison and Man</i>. By Harold P. Danz. Niwot: University Press of Colorado, 1997. xii + 231 pp. Illustrations, map, bibliography, index. $32.50

Social and Environmental Causes and Consequences of the Destruction of the Bison

L'extermination des bisons ne fut pas seulement une catastrophe écologique et sociale ; elle illustre l'incapacité des chasseurs indiens à s'adapter aux variations erratiques de l'environnement et à la concurrence des Euro-Américains. Tant sur le plan idéologique qu'économique, les seconds ne pouvaient tolérer qu 'une « race » condamnée préservât pour son seul usage un immense territoire riche de potentialités économiques. Mais au bout du compte, la victoire des chasseurs de peaux fut amère ; ils ne connurent jamais l'enrichissement escompté. La leçon à tirer est celle du caractère imprévisible de la nature et des impératifs d'une société de consommation naissante.

Registration of ‘Bison’ Buffalograss

Registration of ‘Bison’ Buffalograss

The Bison: A Novel about the Scientist Who Defied Stalin

The Bison: A Novel about the Scientist Who Defied Stalin

Calving Patterns among American Bison

Etude du velage du bison americain (Bison bison) pendant 8 annees consecutives dans les Wichita Mountains (Oklahoma) afin de verifier les hypotheses suivantes : le taux de fecondite ne varie pas avec l'age des femelles,les femelles mettent bas un an sur deux,les femelles non lactantes sont plus susceptibles de produire des mâles que les autres