Breeding Record Research Articles

The study of growth of blue honeysuckle sprouts (Lonicera caeruleae L.) in the conditions of North-East of the European Russia

The aim of the research is to study characteristics of sprout growth of 13 blue honeysuckle variety samples for evaluation of their viability in the conditions of Kirov region. Recordings and observations were carried out since 2018 to 2020 on the collection area (2017 year of planting). The length of a one-year growth was measured on three even-aged plants of each variety sample ten days after the moment of sprout growing till the end of growth. The length of 20 sprouts of the first-order renewal located according to four corners of the earth, was recorded on one plant. The sprout growth began from the 2nd to the 11th of May. Over the studied time an average duration of a growing period was 49.0 days. The variety Masha was distinguished for maximum duration in 2018 (55 days), the varieties Omega, Lenarola, Goluboy Desert (Blue Dessert), Laura and Dark-Blue № form had the minimal one in 2019 (42 days). Maximum length of the one-year growth was observed for the variety Renata (20.6±4.1 cm), Goluboy Desert (Blue Dessert) (20.8±5.2 cm) and Malvina (25.6±5.7 cm). The analysis of the dynamic of sprout growth showed that in the conditions of the studied period the maximum growth was observed in the first (33.8 %) and in the second (35.3 %) decades of growth – approximately, from the middle of May till the first decade of June. The decrease in intensity of sprout growth was noticed in the third decade – an average growth was 21.2 % (from 14.2 % in 2018 to 28.8 % in 2020). The fourth and fifth decades were characterised by fading of growth processes – intensity of growth was 5.9 % and 3.9 %, respectively. The contribution of the secondary growth to an annual growth did not exceed 26 % for Lenarola variety and 20 % for Goluboy Desert (Blue Dessert). The varieties, which had Turchaninov honeysuckle (Lonicera turczaninowii Pojark.) in their breeding record, did not differ in intensity and duration of sprout growth from the descendants of Kamchatka honeysuckle (Lonicera kamtscatica (Sevast.) Pojark.). An obconical shape of the bush prevailed among the studied variety samples (6 varieties or 46.2 %). All the studied variety samples of honeysuckle showed high viability in the conditions of the Kirov region.

Breeding records of Dunlin Calidris alpina in China

Dunlin Calidris alpina has been recorded as breeding in China based on a pullus collected on 7 May 1927 at Tsingtao, Shandong province; a remarkably early date for a nearly fledged young. The record appears highly unlikely to be an example of deliberate fraud, and there is no obvious evidence of mislabelling. We have been unable to determine the validity of the claimed breeding record, however, based on a review of available information, it appears certain that the species does not currently breed in China.

Understanding sociality and behavior change associated with a nesting event in a captive flock of great white pelicans

Zoo-housed pelicans are commonplace, but their breeding record is poor and little research is published on the activity patterns, as potential predictors of nesting, of captive flocks. Existing literature shows that comparative research can provide useful information for husbandry and conservation planning for pelican populations. The opportunity arose to investigate the time-activity budget and social network of a breeding flock of captive great white pelicans. Three chicks were hatched in June and July 2016 and one in March 2017. Data on state behaviors, space use, and association preferences were collected around these nesting events, from October 2016 to February 2017 and July to October 2017. Results suggest that pre-nesting periods were associated with heightened flock-wide vigilance, suggesting that vigilance may be a precursor for courtship or nesting activity. Social network analysis revealed nonrandom associations between birds and a social structure across the flock, in which subadults seemed to associate more with each other than with adult birds. A limited visitor effect was noted; whilst no overall behavior change was apparent with different numbers of visitors, pelicans did widen their enclosure usage with increased visitor presence. These data are relevant to those attempting to breed this pelican, who wish to know more about the daily behavior patterns of this species across the season and physiological state, and who wish to understand pelican social structure, which is useful to the planning and implementation of bird moves or changes to the social environment of the flock. Further extending such research to include uninterrupted observation over a successful breeding event is recommended.

Leach’s Storm PetrelsHydrobates leucorhousbreeding on Gloup Holm: the third discovered breeding site in Shetland

In the UK, Leach’s Storm Petrel Hydrobates leucorhous breeding colonies are few and geographically very remote. Single Leach’s Storm Petrels were heard calling from burrows on Gloup Holm, north Shetland, in July 2019, July 2020 and August 2020, in response to call-playback. The occupied burrow network found in August 2020 was examined by endoscope and a Leach’s Storm Petrel eggshell was seen, constituting the first proven breeding record at this site. A sample call was recorded from each bird heard, sonograms produced, and comparison with criteria for determining sex from calls indicated the bird heard in 2019 was female and those in 2020 were one or possibly two males. Currently, Leach’s Storm Petrel breeds in very low numbers in Shetland on just two small islands. Restoration projects to eradicate introduced predators and preserve natural breeding habitat on select other islands could result in increased breeding numbers.

A likely breeding record of Brown Quail Synoicus ypsilophorus at St Peter Island, Nuyts Archipelago, South Australia

This note reports observations of birds and other vertebrates during a short stay at St Peter Island, Nuyts Archipelago, South Australia, during November 2019. Of most interest was a sighting of juvenile Brown Quail Synoicus ypsilophorus, outside the generally reported range of this species and representing the first breeding record of which we are aware for this species at St Peter Island. This is one of a series of relatively recent sightings in the west of South Australia, which indicates an ongoing range expansion for this species. Further fauna surveys on the Nuyts Archipelago, with documentation of observations, are encouraged.

PSXII-23 Identification and evaluation of novel fertility traits using automated activity monitor data from commercial dairy herds

Abstract The reproductive performance of dairy herds is a determinant factor in their production efficiency and long-term profitability. While the genetic improvement of fertility in cows has been a top breeding objective, its success has been constrained by the low heritability of current traits and the negative impact of management practices on trait measurement accuracy. The recent development and adoption of automated sensor technologies, such as activity monitors, within dairy production systems have provided new opportunities to identify relevant and cost-effective phenotypes of fertility. To date, several activity-based measurements of estrus expression have been associated with fertility outcomes and may, therefore, be suitable predictors of female fertility. The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate novel estrus-related fertility traits using automated activity monitor (AAM) data from commercial dairy herds. A total of 8,730,987 records consisting of 10,529 estrus events were collected between January 2019 and March 2020 from 2,434 cows and 689 heifers of two U.S. commercial herds, where cows were fitted with collar-mounted accelerometers (Heatime, SCR Engineers Ltd., Netanya, Israel). The AAM dataset contained individual bi-hourly activity and rumination patterns, as well as computed fertility index scores, which were used to derive fertility traits related to estrus duration and intensity. The mean number of estrus events per cow and heifer was 4.06 ± 0.04 and 2.63 ± 0.07, respectively, with 1,408 of estruses resulting in pregnancy. Traditional fertility traits were calculated from the breeding record information of 3,255 animals. An estimation of the heritabilities along with genetic and phenotypic correlations between the novel estrus-related fertility traits and traditional fertility traits was undertaken using the program AIREML. Outputs from this project are expected to provide further insight on how to best use AAM measurements to improve selection for reproductive performance in commercial dairy herds.

Aportes al conocimiento de la distribución y biología del Estornino Pinto (Sturnus vulgaris) en el centro de Argentina

El estornino pinto Sturnus vulgaris es una de las especies de aves más invasoras del mundo, causante de pérdidas económicas y de biodiversidad. En Argentina poseepoblaciones establecidas y en expansión, y ya se han registrado interacciones negativas con especies nativas. Aquí se describe el estado actual de su distribución en la provincia de La Pampa, en la región central de Argentina, cuyo paisaje corresponde a dos provincias fitogeográficas que albergan una extensa comunidad de aves usuarias de huecos, susceptibles de verse perjudicadas por esta especie. Se presentan además el primer registro de cría en caja nido y la primera descripción de dieta de los pichones para el área. La información espacial se generó a partir de registros proveniente de bases de datos en línea y propios. En base a los resultados se presume que la expansión se estaría dando en dirección oeste desde las poblaciones iniciales en la provincia de Buenos Aires. La confirmación de cría exitosa, junto con la expansión en curso deben constituirse en una alerta ante el potencial riesgo para algunas especies usuarias de cavidades en caso de que las poblaciones prosperen. Resulta necesaria la implementación de monitoreos sistemáticos de la situación, para evaluar la eventual toma de medidas que mitiguen los potenciales efectos negativos sobre las aves nativas.

The Irvingtonian Avifauna of Cumberland Bone Cave, Maryland.

The early and mid-Pleistocene avian communities of North America are best known from the Rocky Mountain region and peninsular Florida. In the Appalachian Mountain region, only a small number of avian bones from mid-latitude cave deposits have been attributed to this time period. Here, I enlarge this record by reporting on bird bones from Cumberland Bone Cave in western Maryland, a well-known locality for large and small Irvingtonian mammals and other vertebrates. The taxa identified encompass ground birds, waterfowl, a hawk, two eagles, a vulture, an owl, a jay, a flycatcher, a junco or sparrow, and a finch. No purely boreal elements are confirmed as part of the avian assemblage, and all of the extant species that are positively or tentatively identified in the assemblage still occur in the region today. An immature bone referred to the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus (Bechstein)) represents an Irvingtonian breeding record for the species in Maryland. This record occurs at the northern limit of the current breeding range for the genus. Extinct species in the assemblage include the Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius (Linnaeus)), a large screech owl (Megascops guildayi (Brodkorb Mourer-Chauviré 1984)), and the large goose, Branta dickeyi Miller 1924. It can be argued that none of these represent the extinction of a phyletic lineage during the Irvingtonian. Based on the broad habitat preferences of modern counterparts of the birds in the assemblage, we can expect that Irvingtonian habitats near the site included mixed forest with mast-producing hardwoods and both early and later successional stages represented. There must have been fluvial, wetland, or lacustrine habitat suitable for waterbirds nearby, and probably also open woodland or grassy savannah areas, suitable for vulture foraging, turkey nesting, and booming by Ruffed Grouse.

PRODUCTIVE QUALITIES OF COWS OF DIFFERENT BREEDING GROUPS OF THE BUKOVINSKY FACTORY OF THE UKRAINIAN RED-AND-WHITE DAIRY BREED

The studies were conducted on the materials of the breeding record of the breeding plant of JSC "Mirne" of Chernivtsi region - the basic farm of the Bukovyna factory type of the Ukrainian red-speckled dairy breed. 360 cows were selected for analysis, based on live weight, yields, fat and protein content of milk, total milk fat and protein content.
 The intensification of dairy cattle breeding necessitates the systematic evaluation of animals in herds and populations on the basis of economically useful traits.
 Analysis of the productive qualities of the cows of the different breeding groups showed that, by live weight, milk yield, milk fat and protein content, the two-breed (II breeding group) animals were better than the three-breed (I breeding group). The difference for the first lactation was 11.2; 32.9; 1.5; 1.0 kg respectively. In cows with the second lactation, the pattern remained, the difference was 22.2; 395.8; 15.8; 13.1 kg respectively, and for the third lactation – 31.4; 124.3; 4.8; 4.2 kg. The fat and protein content of milk varied between 3.88–3.89% and 3.33–3.34%, respectively. It should be noted that in cows of both groups there was a decrease in milk milk yield with increasing number of lactations.An evaluation of the productive qualities of the first-born cows of the different lines showed that Marshall's first-borns were better in live weight, milk yield, milk fat and protein, although they were inferior to other lines in terms of fat and protein content. In the firstborn of the Hanover Red line, the estimated values were lower than in animals of other lines, in particular – by live weight by 11.4 kg, milk yield by 1115.2 kg, milk fat by 44.1 kg, milk protein by 37.2 kg (Chif line), by 5.4; 1336.5; 52.7; 45.2 kg (Starbuck line) and 14.7; 1465; 55.1; 48.3 kg (Marshall Line).The effectiveness of breeding for increasing dairy productivity of cows depends on the efficiency of selection and selection of animals, taking into account the phenotypic and genetic correlation between economically beneficial traits. It was found that the highest positive values of correlation coefficients were observed in the cows of the studied groups between milk yield and protein content in the context of all lactations – 1st breeding group (r = 0,12–0,25), 2 nd breeding group (r = 0.19–0.3). In the cows of the first breeding group for the first and second lactations revealed not high but positive correlation of milk yield with live weight (r = 0.33–0.49). In the cows of the second breeding group for the first and second lactation positive correlation with milk fat content was found.The first positive cows of different lines showed the highest positive values of the correlation coefficients between milking and protein content (r = 0.19–0.43). There was also a low positive correlation of milk yield with live weight in the firstborn of all evaluated lines (r = 0.03–0.09), as well as milk fat content in cows of Starbuck and Marshall lines.Conclusions. 1. By live weight, milk yield, milk fat and protein content, two-bovine cows of the Bukovyna factory type of Ukrainian red-speckled dairy breed were better than three-born. The fat and protein content of milk varied between 3.88–3.89% and 3.33–3.34%, respectively. In cows of both groups there was a decrease in milk yield with increasing number of lactations.2. By live weight, milk yield, milk fat and protein content, Marshall Line firsts were better, although they were inferior to other lines in terms of fat and protein content. In the firstborn of the Hanover Red line, the estimates were lower than in other line animals.3. The highest positive values of correlation coefficients were observed between milk yield and protein content in the context of all lactations in the cows of Bukovyna factory type of Ukrainian red-rippled dairy breed. In two breeds of cows for the first and second lactation revealed not high but positive correlation of milk yield with live weight, and in three breeds for the first and second lactation positive correlation of milk yield with fat content.

Notes on the breeding behaviour and nesting preferences of Blackish nightjar (Nyctipolus nigrescens) in the Napo province in eastern Ecuador

We describe the first breeding record of a Blackish nightjar (Nyctipolus nigrescens) in a pasture habitat dominated by tropical grasses (Figure 1(a–d)) located at the buffer zone of the Colonso-Cha...

한국에서 나무발발이(Certhia familiaris)의 번식에 관한 기록

한국에서 나무발발이(Certhia familiaris)의 번식에 관한 기록

Breeding and diet of White-tailed Kites (Elanus leucurus) in the Texas panhandle

White-tailed Kites (Elanus leucurus) are grassland raptors that typically breed along coastal regions, particularly in California, southeastern Texas, and southern Florida. This species is irregular in the Texas panhandle, with few confirmed breeding and sighting records. We describe the first breeding record in Lubbock County, Texas, in which a pair of adults successfully raised 2 young in 2017 and may have returned and nested in 2018. Evaluation of cast pellets suggested dietary composition primarily consisted of diurnal rodents. Additionally, we compiled published and unpublished sighting and breeding records for the region and discovered reports for 2 nearby counties (Crosby and Kent counties, Texas) where White-tailed Kites have nested over multiple years, as well as several more counties with sighting records. Our data indicate that the southern extent of the Texas panhandle is now part of the species' breeding or “rare” range.

Limpkin, Aramus guarauna (L., 1766) (Gruiformes, Aramidae), extralimital breeding in Louisiana is associated with availability of the invasive Giant Apple Snail, Pomacea maculata Perry, 1810 (Caenogastropoda, Ampullariidae)

We document the first breeding record of Limpkin, Aramus guarauna (Linnaeus, 1766) (Gruiformes, Aramidae), for Louisiana, describe an additional unpublished breeding record from Georgia, as well as a possible record from Alabama, and associate these patterns with the concurrent establishment of the invasive Giant Apple Snail, Pomacea maculata Perry, 1810 (Caenogastropoda, Ampullariidae). We predict that an invasive prey species may facilitate range expansion by native predator species, which has ramifications for conservation and management.

First Breeding Record of the Eared Grebe in Sonora, Mexico

First Breeding Record of the Eared Grebe in Sonora, Mexico

Edad al primer parto e indicadores de eficiencia en vacas lecheras con diferente potencialidad productividad en sistemas a pastoreo

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar la relación entre la edad al primer parto con la producción láctea e indicadores reproductivos en vacas lecheras, con diferente potencial productivo. Se utilizaron datos retrospectivos de 260 vacas de raza Holstein biotipo Americano-Canadiense con información desde su nacimiento hasta finalizar la lactancia, recolectados entre los años 1992-2012 en el tambo cabaña perteneciente a la Escuela Agrotécnica Gral. San Martín dependiente de la Universidad Nacional de Rosario. El mismo se encuentra ubicado en la localidad de Casilda, Departamento Caseros, provincia de Santa Fe, Argentina. Los animales se dividieron en dos categorías: vacas puras (n=103) y vacas con registro de cría (n=157). Cada una de las vacas pertenecientes a cada uno de los grupos mencionados se caracterizó en función de los valores de dos indicadores reproductivos: edad al primer parto en días e intervalo parto concepción en días y dos indicadores productivos: producción de leche ajustada a 305 días de lactancia en litros y número de partos. No hubo diferencias significativas entre grupos en su precocidad. Las vacas puras presentaron mayor producción (t = 4,493; P< 0,0001) mientras que las vacas con registro de cría fueron más fértiles (t= 2,039; P= 0,043). Los grupos no difirieron en el número de partos. Las diferencias en el comportamiento de las vacas puras y las vacas con registro de cría, con diferente potencialidad productiva, pone en discusión el objetivo de ejercer presión para lograr un primer parto a los 24 meses como propuesta generalizada en los sistemas a pastoreo.

Breeding record of Common Hoopoe Upupa epops (Aves: Upupidae) at Satchari National Park in northeastern Bangladesh

Common Hoopoe Upupa epops was thought to breed in Bangladesh but with no confirmed records. The observation presented in this paper of a breeding pair with its chick at Satchari National Park in northeastern Bangladesh is the first confirmed breeding record of the species from the country.

Status of the Red Kite Milvus milvus in Croatia, based on telemetry research: spatiotemporal distribution and new breeding record

Status of the Red Kite Milvus milvus in Croatia, based on telemetry research: spatiotemporal distribution and new breeding record

한국에서 뒷부리장다리물떼새 (Recurvirostra avosetta)의 첫 번식 사례 보고

2018년 6월 22일 전라북도 군산시 새만금 매립지에서 뒷부리장다리물떼새(Recurvirostra avosetta)의 번식을 확인하였다. 번식장소는 인위적으로 조성된 간척습지였으며, 이소한 유조 4개체가 성조와 함께 지속적으로 행동하는 것이 관찰되었다. 이는 국내에서 최초 번식기록이며, 극동아시아에서 뒷부리장다리물떼새의 최남단 번식에 해당한다. On 22 June 2018, we observed the breeding of the Pied avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) at landfill sites in Saemangeum, Jeollabuk-do Province. The breeding ground was a temporary swamp, and four juvenile were constantly observed with adult bird. This observation is the first breeding record of Pied avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) in Korea.

Discovery of a new breeding population of the Vulnerable Swinhoe’s Rail Coturnicops exquisitus confirmed by genetic analysis

SummaryThe ‘Vulnerable’ Swinhoe’s RailCoturnicops exquisitusis believed to occur in only two regions in Russia’s Far East and China’s Heilongjiang province, separated by more than 1,000 km. Recent observations suggest that the Amur region, situated between the two known populations, might be inhabited by this secretive species as well. As the species is rather similar in appearance and field characteristics to its Nearctic sister taxon, the Yellow RailC. noveboracensis, and almost all field records relate to flushed individuals in flight, we aimed to complement the field observations by genetic evidence. Samples were obtained from four individuals and one eggshell and their mitochondrial cytochrome b genes were amplified and sequenced. The genetic analyses unequivocally confirmed that swab samples and eggshell were attributable to Swinhoe’s Rail, thus constituting the first known breeding record of this species for 110 years. It is therefore likely that the individuals observed in the field also belonged to this species. It seems possible that Swinhoe’s Rail is more widely distributed in the Amur region and was overlooked in the past, possibly due to a misleading description of its calls in the literature.

New Breeding Record for Merlin (<i>Falco columbarius</i>) in Southwestern Yukon

On 3 May 2016, we observed two Merlins (Falco columbarius) copulating near Hungry Lake in southwestern Yukon. We recorded Merlins frequently from May until the beginning of July and observed them defending the area from Common Ravens (Corvus corax) on two occasions, an activity indicative of a nesting pair. This is the first breeding record for Merlins in southern Yukon, as previous records have documented the breeding range only in central and northern parts of the territory. Here, we summarize historical sightings and breeding reports throughout southern Yukon since 1975 and fill a gap in the breeding range of this species.