Cervus Timorensis Russa Research Articles

Role of Rusa deer Cervus timorensis russa in the cycle of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus in New Caledonia.

Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of Rusa deer in the development of the cattle tick Boaphilus microplus in comparison with that of steers in the same pastures and under the same conditions of infestation. No difference was noted between a mixed steer/deer herd and a pure steer or pure deer herd in the infestation pattern of each host, suggesting that attachment to the alternative host is mechanical and not affected by the simultaneous presence of the primary host on the pasture. Deer are capable of producing engorged viable females, with weight and reproductive performances similar to or even better than females fed on steers. For moderate levels (1 million larvae per hectare) and high levels (32 million larvae per hectare) of pasture infestation, tick burdens on steers were not very different (e.g. average 1,911 and 2,681 ticks per m2 skin, respectively, on day 24). This may be because of saturation of steer skin sites at the moderate larval dose. Deer harboured 2.7-33 times fewer ticks than steers and produce no engorged females at the moderate larval level and 32 times fewer engorged females than steers at the high larval level. Infestation of deer was dose-dependent with averages of 12 and 399 ticks per m2 skin on day 25 at the moderate and high larval levels, respectively. At a high infestation level of the environment, Rusa deer may contribute, but to a limited extent, to infestation of pastures and, consequently, of cattle. However, their role in sustaining a viable tick population requires further investigation.

Abattage commercial du cerf rusa (<em>Cervus timorensis russa</em>) en Nouvelle-Calédonie : analyse des pratiques et incidence sur la qualité des carcasses

En réponse à l'augmentation des saisies des carcasses de cerfs rusa (Cervus timorensis russa) pour purpura d'abattage en Nouvelle-Calédonie, une enquête écopathologique fut mise en oeuvre à l'occasion d'une campagne d'exportation de venaison. Les facteurs de risque pouvant expliquer l'apparition de purpura et de carcasses à pH élevé ont été analysés selon le mode d'élevage, les modalités de collecte et de transport des animaux ainsi que les conditions d'abattage. Sur 520 cerfs abattus, 15 p. 100 ont été saisis pour purpura d'abattage, 87 p. 100 ont affiché un pH supérieur à 6 et 48 p. 100 un pH supérieur à 6,5. Les différentes analyses réalisées ont révélé, dans le cas du purpura d'abattage, une inadéquation entre les structures d'abattage et les cerfs provenant d'élevage en voie d'intensification. Pour les carcasses à pH supérieur à 6,5, il s'agissait d'un phénomène plus complexe mettant en jeu, notamment, le degré de manipulation des animaux, la pratique de stabulation la veille de l'abattage et la présence de purpura d'abattage. Les modalités d'abattage du cerf rusa en Australie et du cerf rouge en Nouvelle-Zélande indiquent qu'il est possible d'améliorer le système actuel.

Observations on the eruption of the permanent incisor teeth of farmed Javan rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa) in New Caledonia

The eruption of the permanent incisor teeth of 14 farmed Javan rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa) of known birth date and their live weights were observed about every 2 weeks from 12 to 30 months of age. The permanent incisor pattern was 11, 14–17 months; 12, 18–23 months; 13, 20–26 months; and 14, 22–27 months. There was no significant relationship between body weight and timing of permanent incisor eruption.

Serum biochemical values of rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa) in New Caledonia.

Blood samples were collected from 91 rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa), immediately after being shot. Serum mean biochemical values from shot deer are presented for blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, calcium, and phosphorus. Mean total protein and albumin increased with age. There was an age-associated increase of gamma globulins. Mean creatine kinase activity and creatinine, albumin and phosphorus concentrations were higher in stags than in hinds. Pregnant hinds had lower mean creatine kinase activity and phosphorus and higher mean alanine aminotransferase and total protein than non-pregnant hinds. Mean calcium concentration increased when deer were agitated before bleeding.

Haematological values of rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa) in New Caledonia.

Blood samples were collected from 91 rusa deer (Cervus timorensis russa), immediately after being shot, to define their mean haematological values (red cell count, white cell count, differential leucocyte count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, and mean cell haemoglobin concentration). Male deer had a significantly higher red cell count and haemoglobin concentration, and a lower mean cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin content, than did female deer.