Forelimb Research Articles

Relationship between Body Center of Mass Velocity and Lower Limb Joint Angles during Advance Lunge in Skilled Male University Fencers

We investigated the influence of advance lunging in fencing from the perspective of velocity and lower limb joint angles to identify how the joint angles contribute to the peak velocity in a lunge with advance (LWA). Fourteen skilled athletes (age: 19.6 ± 0.9 years, height: 171.2 cm ± 5.2 cm, weight: 63.7 kg ± 5.3 kg, and fencing experience: 9.7 ± 3.1 years) participated by performing two types of attacking movements, and data were collected with a 3D movement analysis system. A correlation between the peak velocity of the body center of mass (CoM) in an advance lunge and several joint angle variables (rear hip peak flexion angle (r = 0.63), rear ankle peak dorsiflexion angle (r = −0.66), rear ankle range of motion (r = −0.59), and front hip peak extension angle (r = 0.54)) was revealed. In addition, the joint angle variables that significantly predicted peak CoM velocity during an LWA were the rear knee peak flexion angle (β = 0.542), rear knee peak extension angle (β = −0.537), and front knee peak extension angle (β = −0.460). Our findings suggest that the rear leg hip joint, rear leg ankle joint, and front leg hip joint may control the acceleration generated by an LWA. Furthermore, more flexion of the rear leg knee joint in the early phase of the lunge and greater extension of the rear and front leg knee joints at the end of the lunge phase may help increase peak velocity.

Drinking on the wing: water collection in polarotactic horseflies

Many insects detect water bodies by observing the linearly polarised light which is reflected from the water surface. Polarotactic horseflies exhibit acrobatic manoeuvres above the water and are able to plunge on its surface, collect a droplet and fly away. This behaviour is extremely fast and has not yet been analysed. We recorded the flight patterns and kinematics of drinking horseflies using a pair of high-speed cameras. The animals of both sexes are attracted to water puddles where they make short, millisecond pitstops to collect a droplet of water that is then presumably drank “on the wing”. Before the collection, the flies perform several low-altitude flybys above the puddle. After a few passes, the fly suddenly reverses its body orientation, decelerates, briefly touches the water surface and immediately flies away, usually with a droplet carried between its front legs. During the approach flight, the horseflies fly low but do not show any angular preference. Thus, they view the reflections from the sky, sun, or vegetation with a wide band of ventral ommatidia. Polarotaxis in drinking horseflies is a very robust visually guided behaviour, which operates at a broad range of intensities and various spectral compositions of reflected light.

KORELASI UKURAN MORFOMETRIK DENGAN BOBOT BADAN PADA DOMBA EKOR TIPIS BETINA DARA DI KABUPATEN SEMARANG, JAWA TENGAH

The aims of this study were to identify the morphometric measurements and body weights of Thin-tailed ewe, examine the qualitative characteristics of ewe and examine the close relationship between body weight and other body measurements. This study used 40 female Thin-tailed Ewe aged under 1 year. The method used was purposive sampling. Parameters observed were face length, ear length, chest circumference, chest width, chest depth, body length, shoulder height, hip height, hip width, front leg length, hind leg length, tail length and body weight. Data were analyzed using correlation and simple linear regression analysis. The results showed that the qualitative characteristics of Thin-Tailed ewes were small body shape, white fur color with black spots around the eyes, nose and other body parts. The morphometric measurements most closely related to body weight were chest width and chest circumference. Based on the result, it can be concluded that the determination value in the chest, the equation from chest determination can be used to predict body weight of Thin-Tailed ewe. the equation of y = 1.2118x - 10.532 means that every 9.52 cm increase in the chest will be accompanied by an increase in body weight of 1 kg. Keywords: Body Weight, Ewe, Morphometric

Morphological and Morphometrical Studies on the Radius and Ulna of Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus)

Background: The fore and hind limbs of the elephant are arranged in an almost vertical position under the body, similar to a pillar or leg of a table rather than being in the angular position seen in many other quadruped mammals to support great weight. The aim of this study was to elucidate the morphological and morphometrical outline on the radius and ulna in Elephants, thereby making more contribution in filling the gap of knowledge and skills framework in this field. Methods: For the present study, the materials from three Indian elephants were used. Some of the specimens were available at the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Mhow. Few skeletons were dug out from the ground which was buried from the last 5-10 years in the premises of college. Result: The radius was situated obliquely in the anterior aspect of forearm region. Radius had two extremities proximal and distal extremity and a shaft. The distal end of the radius was thick, flattened and slightly prismatic in shape. The ulna was more massive than radius. It had two extremities and a body.

Morphological and functional changes in the skeletal muscles of the hind limbs in rats under enforced anaerobic physical exertion and allogeneic biomaterial application

Exhausting physical activity leads to sarcomere overstrain, destruction of the cell membrane, hydrolysis of structural proteins, thus, resulting in irreversible damage to muscle fibers. Allogeneic biomaterial (AB) is applied to regenerate various tissues and organs. The aim of the study was to identify morphofunctional features of the skeletal muscle tissue after physical exertion and under AB application. Material and methods. This experimental study involved male Wistar rats. Anaerobic physical exertion was simulated using the Porsolt test with a load equal 10 % of the body weight for 30 days. After training, animals of the main group (n = 10) were injected AB suspension: 4 ml of a 0.2 % solution into the muscles of the fore and hind limbs totally. Animals of the control group (n = 10) received physiological saline into similar zones. Tolerant load was investigated in 5 and 21 days after injection. Then the animals were withdrawn from the experiment, and muscles of the hind limbs were studied histologically, the total number, the average cross-sectional area of muscle fibers, and the number of necrotic fibers were measured. Results. In 5 and 21 days animals from the control group manifested dystrophic changes in muscle fibers: type III, IV contractures, microcirculation disorders, mosaic necrosis of muscle fibers, inflammatory cell infiltration, and a decreased tolerant load. In 21 days fibrosis was detected. The AB introduction provided rhabdomyogenesis as soon as in 5 days. Inflammatory cell infiltration decreased, the polygonality of muscle fiber profiles was restored, and edematous phenomena were leveled. There was hyperplasia of muscle fibers, a decreased number of necrotic muscle fibers, inhibited fibrosis, and an increased tolerant load. AB further biodegraded. Conclusion. AB contributed to the reduced manifestations of dystrophic changes in muscle fibers, strengthened actoprotective mechanism, and restored physical activity in the early stages.

Positioning of pivot points in quadrupedal locomotion: limbs global dynamics in four different dog breeds.

Dogs (Canis familiaris) prefer the walk at lower speeds and the more economical trot at speeds ranging from 0.5 Fr up to 3 Fr. Important works have helped to understand these gaits at the levels of the center of mass, joint mechanics, and muscular control. However, less is known about the global dynamics for limbs and if these are gait or breed-specific. For walk and trot, we analyzed dogs' global dynamics, based on motion capture and single leg kinetic data, recorded from treadmill locomotion of French Bulldog (N = 4), Whippet (N = 5), Malinois (N = 4), and Beagle (N = 5). Dogs' pelvic and thoracic axial leg functions combined compliance with leg lengthening. Thoracic limbs were stiffer than the pelvic limbs and absorbed energy in the scapulothoracic joint. Dogs' ground reaction forces (GRF) formed two virtual pivot points (VPP) during walk and trot each. One emerged for the thoracic (fore) limbs (VPPTL) and is roughly located above and caudally to the scapulothoracic joint. The second is located roughly above and cranially to the hip joint (VPPPL). The positions of VPPs and the patterns of the limbs' axial and tangential projections of the GRF were gaits but not always breeds-related. When they existed, breed-related changes were mainly exposed by the French Bulldog. During trot, positions of the VPPs tended to be closer to the hip joint or the scapulothoracic joint, and variability between and within breeds lessened compared to walk. In some dogs, VPPPL was located below the pelvis during trot. Further analyses revealed that leg length and not breed may better explain differences in the vertical position of VPPTL or the horizontal position of VPPPL. The vertical position of VPPPL was only influenced by gait, while the horizontal position of VPPTL was not breed or gait-related. Accordingly, torque profiles in the scapulothoracic joint were likely between breeds while hip torque profiles were size-related. In dogs, gait and leg length are likely the main VPPs positions' predictors. Thus, variations of VPP positions may follow a reduction of limb work. Stability issues need to be addressed in further studies.

Carcass characteristics and nutritional profile of wild Caiman crocodilus (Spectacled Caiman) meat

Developing standardized primal, sub-primal and commercial cuts, yield standards, and nutritional value for the Caiman crocodilus are vital in the process of developing a market for the animals’ consumption. This study aims to describe the carcass characteristics and the nutritional profile of wild caught C. crocodilus found in Trinidad and Tobago. Five adult C. crocodilus specimens were captured with an average weight and length of 28.04 ± 11.06 kg, 139.40 ± 16.32 cm respectively. Through carcass fabrication, a dressing percentage of 55.38 ± 1.8% was found and five primal cuts consisting of a neck, torso/rib cage, front leg with shoulder blade, back leg, and tail were determined for this species. Further fabrication of the carcass resulted in four sub-primal cuts, a top fillet, bottom fillet, loin, and breast cut. The fabricated tail of C. crocodilus constituted 28.32 ± 4.50% of the carcass weight with the highest meat to bone ratio by cut of 6.43. The results of the proximate analysis to determine the moisture, protein, lipid, and ash content of a homogenized sample of neck and tail meat presented values of 75.31 ± 3.03, 21.36 ± 4.07, 6.00 ± 5.40, and 0.25 ± 0.03 respectively on a dry matter basis. Based on these carcass characteristics and nutritional profile, this study can be used to justify further exploration into the use ofC. crocodilusas an alternative meat source.

Management of Humeral Fracture in a Dog at Klinik Bersama Dokter Hewan Jungle Bekasi

A humeral fracture is a discontinuity of the humeral bone due to an injury or illness. A three-year-old black mongrel female dog weighing 12.5 kg was brought to the Jungle Veterinary Clinic in Bekasi City, Indonesia, due to lameness and swelling in the left front limb. The radiological examination indicated an oblique fracture of the distal diaphysis of the left humerus. Haematological and biochemistry tests indicated neutrophilia, leukocytosis, and decreased erythrocyte, haemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV and MCH levels, while the levels of globulin and ALP were elevated. An orthopaedic surgery was performed using cerclage wires in conjunction with the intramedullary pin approach to immobilize the fracture. Post-surgery medical treatments were oral Amoxicillin 20 mg/kg, tramadol 5 mg/kg, meloxicam 0.1 mg/kg, Curcuma™ ½ tablet, Sangobion™ ½ tablet, and Kalmicetin™ ointment for topical wound dressing twice a day. The surgical wound healed and front leg function improved seven days after surgery

Monitoring of Surgically Treated Upper Arm Fracture by Implanted Antenna at 402 MHz

Remote patient monitoring aims to reduce non-essential visits to clinics and hospitals, monitor high-risk patients outside clinical settings, and optimize clinical staff utilization. This paper proposes a new monitoring application for surgically treated upper arm fractures. The humerus fracture should be healed within four to six weeks. Traditional monitoring is conducted through repeated X-ray images and visits to clinical laboratories or hospitals. Our goal is to avoid the expected drawbacks due to repeated exposure to X-rays, such as vomiting, bleeding, fainting, and sometimes the risk of cancer. Furthermore, this study aims to improve the patient’s quality of life during the treatment period by monitoring them at home. The technique depends on implanting a 116 mm length half-wave dipole antenna in the fractured arm and recording the reflection coefficient and the transmitted power at the far-field of it outside the body at 402 MHz. The fracture is represented by an extra layer added to the humerus, which increases the loss of electromagnetic field in the human tissue and then reduces the value of the transmitted power. The existence of fractures shows a change in the transmitted average power densities (APDs) in the range of 11.54% to 15.75%, based on the fracture types, and an increase in reflection coefficients in the range of −22.35 dB to −22.65 dB compared to the normal bone, which monitors the bone healing status. The standard limit of the specific absorption rate was taken into account to guarantee the safety of the human body. Different fracture types were considered and monitored, and CST Microwave Studio was used for simulation. The technique was verified experimentally by measurements carried out on a lifeless front leg animal model. The technique can also be used for the monitoring of ulna and tibia fractures.

Design and manufacture of a forelimb prosthesis prototype for a dog

The objective of this writing is to develop a methodology for the design and selection of materials that allows for the manufacturing of a canine prosthesis prototype based on anthropometric measurements, element simulation, and finite analysis. The canine prosthesis aims to restore mobility to a missing limb of a dog due to amputation and/or congenital malformation. The methodological approach for this study has been determined based on the analysis of a series of parameters, such as the dimensions of the animal leg, as well as its weight and the location of the amputation, to mention just a few points. As a contribution, a prototype of an exoprosthesis is proposed for a missing front limb, where it should fit within the range of the leg length, from 35 cm to 45 cm, and its weight should range between 30 kg and 40 kg. Additionally, the amputation should be located starting from the elbow region, and the optimal design should be able to adapt to different anthropometric measurements and the needs of the dogs.

Morphological study of the cotton seed bug, Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Costa, 1847) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) in some localities of Kurdistan region– Iraq

This study introduces a morphological description of cotton seed bug, Oxycarenus hyalinipennis Hemiptera – Lygaeidae, which were collected in some localities of Kurdistan region- Iraq through the period of April till December of 2021. The species identified according to same diagnosed characters; mouthparts approximately dark brown. Piercing sucking type mouthpart with elongate proboscis extending in the middle of 3rd abdominal sternite. Maxilla needle shaped, slightly curved and the apical part. Labium four segmented, dark brown. Antennae nearly filamentous shaped with four antennomeres, 2nd antennomere tubular shaped, two times as long as the1st, 4th antennomere elongated oval,1.1 times as long as 3rd antennomere. Fore wings hemielytron type, the membranous part whitish color with four or five veins. Parameres nearly hook shaped. The important body parts antenna; rostrum; mouthparts, labrum, mandible, maxilla, labium; pronotum; fore wing; fore leg; eighth abdominal sternite and male genitalia were take pictures. Locations and date of collection were mentioned.

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS OF DISC HERNIATION - CASE REPORT

This is a clinical case report of a Dachshund dog, known for having a more prone spinal column to health problems such as herniated discs, due to its long and low body. The animal was taken to the veterinarian for presenting difficulty in gait and avoiding putting the left front paw on the ground. A computed tomography was performed, which revealed the presence of herniated discs in various regions of the dog’s spinal column. Initially, medication treatment was prescribed, but as the animal presented paralysis in the front legs and side effects due to the long period of use of pain control medication, surgical intervention was necessary. Physiotherapy was recommended to assist in the animal’s recovery.

Captorhinid trackways from mid- to late Permian red beds in Morocco: Implications for locomotion and the palaeobiogeography of northwest Gondwana

In this paper, we report a new vertebrate ichnoassemblage from the mid- to late Permian red beds of the Ikakern Formation (Tourbihine Member, T2) from the Argana Basin of Morocco, to improve knowledge of paleobiology and palaeobiogeography. The ichnofossils comprise than 50 footprints organized as four trackways and assigned to the ichnogenus Hyloidichnus. The tetrapod tracks are preserved in convex hyporelief and concave epirelief on upper and lower mud-rich surfaces near the top of fine-grained sandstone units. The trackway pattern and the alternating arrangement of the pes-manus sets suggest a sprawling and symmetrical gait, with the movements of the front and hind limbs being of similar size, and it is likely that the animal moved at slow trot. We infer that the potential trackmaker was a captorhinomorph within the Moradisaurinae. This new fossil discovery helps reconstruct the palaeoenvironments and the palaeogeographic distribution of these Permian organisms, with Morocco acting as a faunal exchange gateway between western Gondwana and western Laurasia. Besides the tetrapod tracks, the red beds contain ubiquitous rain-drop marks, current ripples, plant fossil impressions, invertebrate burrows, tetrapod skin imprints, and a single insect wing that suggest that the strata were deposited in an episodically inundated alluvial plain.

Hypertrophic Osteopathy Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma in a Cat: An Overview

Abstract Hypertrophic osteopathy (HO) is a pathological condition characterized by progressive, bilateral and symmetrical periosteal bone hyperostosis. Hypertrophic osteopathy is considered a secondary disease that occurs as a consequence of many chronic processes, which are primarily localized in the thoracic cavity (intrathoracic lesions), and less as a result of changes in the abdominal cavity (extrathoracic lesions). We describe a case of a 3.5-year-old female unneutered short-haired cat with a history of chronic weight loss, decreased appetite, dyspnea, and wet cough. During the native X-ray examination of the thoracic cavity, a clearly limited homogeneous radiopaque shadow which covered the entire thoracic cavity was found, as well as periostitis of the front limbs, mainly on the humeri, radii and ulnae. After euthanizing the cat, a control X-ray examination and necropsy of the body was performed. The necropsy revealed a soft-tissue proliferation measuring 13 x 5 x 4 cm and weighing 228 g, and a pronounced ossified periostosis of the long bones, while the histopathological findings revealed adenocarcinoma of the lung with metastasis to the mediastinal lymph nodes. The outcome of hypertrophic osteopathy mostly depends on the primary cause. If the initial lesion had been identified and removed on time, the condition would have also receded spontaneously. The primary tool in determining hypertrophic osteopathy is X-ray diagnosis. Considering the determination of this condition is an indicator of ongoing severe disease, especially in the thoracic cavity, its early diagnosis would lead to prolongation of the animal's life.

Anatomical study of the 3rd metacarpal bone of some mammals

The current study included the anatomical structure of the metatarsal bone in sheep in terms of the traditional structural description of the bone, as it was found that the metatarsal bone in the fore and hind limbs of adult sheep had no visible differences between it and animals, especially ruminants. The metacarpal \tarsal bone No. 3 was cylindrical in shape, with the presence of the metacarpal \tarsal bones 2 and 4 declines, articulated from the proximal end with the metacarpal and metatarsal bones whereas from the distal part with the fetlock joint and the first phalanx bone. The aim of the study is to determine whether the environment and its changes in Iraq have affected the animals and their bones in terms of length, thickness, and hardness.

Feline leishmaniosis with focus on ocular manifestation: a case report

BackgroundIn Europe, feline leishmaniosis is commonly caused by Leishmaniainfantum. There is little knowledge regarding pathogenesis, ocular manifestations and long-term follow-ups in cats with leishmaniosis.FindingsA 6-year-old female, spayed European Shorthair cat was imported from Spain to Germany 2 years prior to its first clinical presentation. The cat showed lethargy, weight loss, ulcerative lesions on the front limbs and high-grade chronic uveitis. The diagnosis of L. infantum infection was based on the cytological finding of amastigotes in skin lesions, positive qPCR of EDTA-blood and positive PCR of a cyto-brush sample from the conjunctiva. Supportive findings included positive serology by IFAT, serum protein capillary electrophoresis with peaks in alpha2- and gamma-globulin sections and marked elevation of SAA. Enucleation had to be performed on day 288 on both eyes because of blindness, glaucoma and high-grade uveitis. Histologically, high numbers of Leishmania spp. amastigotes were found in histiocytes. IFAT and PCR were positive in the aqueous humor in both eyes, respectively. Feline leukemia virus antigen and feline immunodeficiency virus antibody testings were positive. Hematological and biochemical results revealed mild leukocytosis with lymphocytosis, monocytosis and eosinopenia as well as marked elevation of SAA and hyperglobulinemia. The cat was treated with allopurinol, responded well and was still alive at follow-up on day 288 after first presentation. However, enucleation was necessary because of refractory glaucoma and uveitis. ConclusionFor the first time, ocular evidence of Leishmania IgG antibodies was demonstrated in the aqueous humor of both eyes in cats. There is limited knowledge about the pathogenesis, treatment options and outcomes in cats infected with L. infantum. This case report supports the hypothesis that immunosuppression increases the risk of clinical signs of leishmaniasis in cats. Alpha2- and gamma-globulin peaks in serum protein capillary electrophoresis are supportive criteria for the diagnosis of L. infantum infection. SAA is valuable for monitoring. Regarding ophthalmology, uveitis and glaucoma may have a poor prognosis. Graphical abstract

34 Successive Bouts of Exercise Influences the Inflammatory Cytokine Response in Thoroughbred Horses Regardless of Recovery Aid Supplementation

Abstract In equine sports, the rate of recovery after an exhaustive exercise session greatly affects the ability of the animal to perform subsequently, especially if the next exercise session occurs quickly. Carnitine participates in fatty acid delivery to the mitochondria and may facilitate muscle recovery post-exercise. The objective of the study was to determine the effects of a commercially available carnitine supplement (Renew, Platinum Performance, Buellton, CA) on adult The ability of Thoroughbred horses (16 geldings, 2 mares, 6.69 ± 0.49 years, 524.81 ± 10.07 kg, 5.66 ± 0.12 BCS) to perform successive bouts of exhaustive exercise. All horses participated in a moderate workload conditioning program for 6-weeks before testing. Horses received a ration of applesauce (30 mL, CON, n = 8) or ration of applesauce containing 19.6 g of the product (30 mL, AID, n = 8) 1 h before performing an incremental standardized exercise test (iSET) to exhaustion (day 1). Heart rate (HR) and gait biomechanics were recorded throughout the duration of the iSET. Blood was collected at 0, 10 min, 1, 4 and 6 h relative to exercise for the measurement of lactate and interleukin (IL) 1b, 8 and 10 mRNA content. for the measurement of lactate and interleukin (IL) 1b, IL8 and IL10 mRNA content. The AID was administered again at 1 h post-iSET after collection of the blood sample. All horses were rested for 24 h before repeating the iSET (day 3) with performance data and sample collection. The AID did not affect time to maximum HR, time to reach V200 or total gallop time during the iSET on day 1 or day 3. The rate of HR decline post iSET was slower (P < 0.05) for all horses on day 3 compared with day 1. Blood lactate concentration was not affected by AID or day. The right front limb posterior fetlock angle at full stance phase increased (P < 0.05) with speed for both CON and AID supplemented horses on day 1. Horses receiving AID demonstrated an increase (P < 0.05) in this measure at day 3 while no significant differences (P > 0.05) in posterior angle were detected in CON. Administration of AID did not affect whole blood IL1b, IL8 or IL10 mRNA content on day 1 or day 3. Consolidation of the data demonstrates increased (P < 0.05) expression of IL1b and IL8 mRNA during post-exercise recovery time on day 1 that was absent on day 3. Expression of IL10 was altered (P < 0.05) over time post-exercise on both days. Results of the experiment demonstrate that successive bouts of exercise affect the inflammatory response to exhaustion. Although AID did not affect IL gene expression, it did promote retention of flexion at the fetlock joint suggesting that carnitine products may facilitate recovery from strenuous exercise.

169 Engaging Pennsylvania horse owners with a tick-check extension program

With no available vaccine for Lyme disease or equine anaplasmosis for horses, tick bite prevention is the recommended method to prevent tick-borne diseases (TBDs) transmission. Routine tick checks, which allow horse owners to remove ticks before tick bites, can reduce the incidence of TBD in horses. The objective of this extension program was to engage Pennsylvania (PA) horse owners in community science to conduct weekly tick checks on horses and report tick numbers and locations. Horse owners (n = 35) were recruited who had horses (n = 55) that resided in PA for most of the year. Participants were required to attend a webinar where they learned how to conduct tick checks and then completed a survey assessing their current tick management practices. Participants were mailed a tick-check kit and asked to conduct tick checks twice a week for 7 weeks (April–May 2022). Numbers and locations of ticks were recorded on data sheets; these and the ticks were sent to Penn State for identification. A post-program survey was completed at the end of the program. Most respondents (72%) cared for 2–5 horses. The majority (85%) turned out horses in or near forested habitats from April to November. Each time tick checks were performed, 72% found 1–2 ticks, and the most common location was under the jaw. Most owners used on-animalrepellents (65%) as a primary method of tick control, followed by pasture/landscape management (24%). Data sheets (n = 645) showed 343 ticks found; however, 83% of all reported ticks came from one horse. With this outlier removed, most (32%) ticks were found between the front legs. The post-program survey indicated that knowledge of tick basics, TBDs, and tick checks increased (3.53 ± 1.01, 3.14 ± 0.82, 3.72 ± 1.24, respectively) as a result of participation and that 67% of respondents had “a lot” or “a great deal” higher confidence in performing tick checks. Most respondents (72%) will continue performing full-body tick checks on all or some of their horses and will do so either once a week (39%) or 2–6 times a week (39%). Most respondents (66%) found fewer ticks than they expected. Most respondents (69%) were not any more or less concerned about risk of tick bites than they were before the study. This study shows that horse owners are willing to commit to community science projects and provide data. The numbers and locations of ticks found during the program did not match participants’ expectations pre-study. This Extension project resulted in behavior change as a result of education and training.

Injured giraffes are at higher risk of dying

Animals in the wild can suffer from diseases that can then affect their ability to move. Wildlife is also directly impacted by humans hunting animals for food. In particular, scientists have reported that skin diseases and injuries caused by wire snares, set by people to trap animals in the wild for bush meat, can affect giraffes and their ability to move normally. Most previous research has only been done on captive animals in zoos and with giraffes that suffer from a skin disease that affects their mobility. Recently, an international collaboration between researchers based at universities and zoos in the USA and Namibia recorded videos of giraffes in the wild in Uganda with skin diseases and/or wounds from wire snares.But first, Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz and colleagues collected video of four Masai giraffes (Giraffa tippelskirchi) walking at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and used it to quantify the movements of healthy giraffes by measuring how long their stride was, the footfall timing between the back limb and the front limb, how fast the animals were walking, and low long each foot remained in contact with the ground. Additionally, they measured the giraffe's neck movements, up and down as well as back and forth during each stride. After completing their pilot study at the zoo, Michael Brown (Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, USA) and J. Evenhuis (Case Western Reserve University, USA) filmed 52 male Nubian giraffes (G. camelopardalis camelopardalis) in the Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, for more than a year. Bernstein-Kurtycz and colleagues then classified the 52 giraffes into a healthy group, a group with skin disease, a group with wounds from wire snares and a group that had both skin disease and wounds from snares, and analysed their walking movements from the movies.They discovered that skin disease found on the Nubian giraffes did not affect their walking. This might be partially because the disease was found only around the neck region. In contrast, the giraffes that had wounds caused by wire traps had a shorter stride length and slower walking speeds, the limb that was wounded spent less time in contact with the ground bearing weight, and they tended to keep both limbs on the same side of the body in contact with the ground almost simultaneously, possibly to spare the wounded limb from bearing too much weight. In contrast, there were no meaningful differences in the neck movements between the healthy group and any of the groups that had incurred wounds from snares and those that had the skin disease.Traps set by humans have a damaging effect on animals, even if they are not the intended targets. Bernstein-Kurtycz and colleagues have demonstrated that the injuries to these majestic animals caused by wire traps force the giraffes to walk more slowly and unevenly, leaving them vulnerable to attack and predation by lions. Such injuries can also affect their ability to migrate efficiently, locate and compete for mates, and dominant males that are wounded may be unable to protect their mates from males competing to mate with them. Describing how a colleague reported that 257 live giraffes were freed from wire snares in the Murchison Falls National Park between February 2019 and December 2021, the team state that the risk posed by human activity to this endangered population is clearly significant, and conclude that ‘identifying and quantifying potential threats to this population is of global consequence for their conservation’.

Phenotype and genotype of Boerka goats raised in Bali.

Boerka goats are the new breed in Bali targeted at meeting the increasing demand for lamb. They are meat-type goats created by crossing male Boer and female Kacang breeds. This new breed is expected to have good adaptation in a poor environment, such as Kacang goats and produce good quality lamb as Boer goats. Therefore, this study aimed to examine phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Boerka goats raised in Bali. A total of 16 female Boerka goats at 2 years old collected from a group of livestock farmers in Sanda Village were used as samples. This observational study began with observations of qualitative characteristics and morphometric measurements of goats, followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the growth hormone (GH) gene using GH5F and GH5R primers. Polymerase chain reaction products were then sequenced and analyzed with the MEGA 11 program. The results showed that all Boerka goats had stuck-down ears, the heads were predominantly brown in color (62.5%), the body color pattern tends to be white (87.50%), and the tail color pattern was also dominated by white (62.5%). In morphometric terms, the samples were close to Kacang goats based on the body weight, head length, head width, chest width, depth, and circumference, left front leg circumference, ear length, ear width, tail length, tail width, and flank height except for head height, body length, horn length, and shoulder height. Analysis of the GH gene showed that Boerka goats had a nucleotide composition dominated by the purine base guanine (26.5%) and pyrimidine cytosine (31.8%). Furthermore, they formed a separate cluster with a genetic distance of 14.1% to the Anhui White breed from China, the Tibetan breed, and the Swiss Saanen breed. Boerka goats raised in Bali have phenotypes, including qualitative characteristics and morphometric measurements close to Kacang goats. As meat-type goats, they also form a separate cluster distinct from similar types worldwide.