Improved Body Condition Research Articles

Optimally warm roost temperatures during lactation do not improve body condition in a long-lived bat.

Lactation is the most energetically demanding time in the life of female mammals. To maximize lifetime reproductive success, females of long-lived species, such as bats, face a trade-off between investing in current and future reproduction. However, it is unclear whether global warming could influence this trade-off through shifts in the energy budget: warmer temperatures may reduce thermoregulatory costs, leaving mothers with more energy available for maternal care or for improving their own body condition (BC), which may increase survival and ensure future reproduction. Here, we investigated whether lactating Bechstein's bats (Myotis bechsteinii) allocate the energy saved in optimally warm roosts into their own BC. We analysed a 14-year dataset on the individual BC of 237 females marked with radio-frequency identification tags from four wild maternity colonies. In two of the colonies, the temperature in the roosts, in which the females raised their offspring, was artificially kept in the bats' thermoneutral zone to reduce their thermoregulation costs. We found that BC shortly after the lactation period did not differ between mothers from heated and non-heated colonies. Our results suggest that mothers do not invest the energy saved in warmer roosts in their own BC, consistent with an increased investment in maternal care.

Productive response of dual-purpose cows supplemented with chelate minerals and calcium salts

Objective: To evaluate milk production, body condition and ethological behavior of grazing cows supplemented with chelated minerals and calcium salts, in dry tropical conditions. Design/methodology/approach: Two treatments were evaluated, T1 = Base feeding (grazing + 4 kg of concentrated feed cow-1 day-1 (CF); T2 = CF + 300 g cow-1 day-1 of nucleus (chelated minerals + calcium salts) (N). Milk production data were evaluated during 32 days in four periods of seven days, the body condition at the beginning, 15 and 30 days after the evaluation, and the ethological behavior of the cows. Results: In cows supplemented with nucelus, milk production increased 19.9% (P ≤ 0.05); body condition improved 0.5 units, there was no difference in grazing time (P>0.05) and rumination time was longer (P ≤ 0.05). Limitations on study/implications: The response to reproductive variables was not assessed in this study/reproductive activity is likely to improve in response to improved body condition. Findings/conclusions: By supplementing dual-purpose cows in the first third of lactation with chelated minerals and calcium salts, milk production increases, and body condition and rumination time improve.

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) resource selection: trade-offs between forage and predation risk

Ungulates commonly select habitat with higher forage biomass and or nutritional quality to improve body condition and fitness. However, predation risk can alter ungulate habitat selection and foraging behavior and may affect their nutritional condition. Ungulates often choose areas with lower predation risk, sometimes sacrificing higher quality forage. This forage–predation risk trade-off can be important for life history strategies and influences individual nutritional condition and population vital rates. We used GPS collar data from adult female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and mountain lions (Puma concolor) to model mule deer habitat selection in relation to forage conditions, stalking cover and predation risk from mountain lions to determine if a forage-predation risk trade-off existed for mule deer in central New Mexico. We also examined mountain lion kill sites and mule deer foraging locations to assess trade-offs at a finer scale. Forage biomass and protein content were inversely correlated with horizontal visibility, hence associated with higher stalking cover for mountain lions, suggesting a forage-predation risk trade-off for mule deer. Mule deer habitat selection was influenced by forage biomass and protein content at the landscape and within home range spatial scales, with forage protein being related to habitat selection during spring and summer and forage biomass during winter. However, mule deer selection for areas with better foraging conditions was constrained by landscape-scale encounter risk for mountain lions, such that increasing encounter risk was associated with diminished selection for areas with better foraging conditions. Mule deer also selected for areas with higher visibility when mountain lion predation risk was higher. Mountain lion kill sites were best explained by decreasing horizontal visibility and available forage protein, suggesting that deer may be selecting for forage quality at the cost of predation risk. A site was 1.5 times more likely to be a kill site with each 1-meter decrease in visibility (i.e., increased stalking cover). Mule deer selection of foraging sites was related to increased forage biomass, further supporting the potential for a trade-off scenario. Mule deer utilized spatio-temporal strategies and risk-conditional behavior to reduce predation risk, and at times selected suboptimal foraging areas with lower predation risk.

The habitat quality paradox: loss of riparian forest cover leads to decreased risk of parasitism and improved body condition in an imperiled amphibian.

Amphibian declines are a global phenomenon but responses of populations to specific threats are often context dependent and mediated by individual physiological condition. Habitat degradation due to reduced riparian forest cover and parasitism are two threats facing the hellbender salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), but their potential to interact in nature remains largely unexplored. We investigated associations between forest cover, parasitic infection and physiology of hellbenders to test the hypotheses that physiological condition responds to infection and/or habitat degradation. We sampled 17 stream reaches in southwest Virginia, USA, on a year-round basis from 2013 to 2016 and recorded 841 captures of 405 unique hellbenders. At each capture we documented prevalence of two blood-associated parasites (a leech and trypanosome) and quantified up to three physiological condition indices (body condition, hematocrit, white blood cell [WBC] differentials). We used generalized linear mixed models to describe spatiotemporal variation in parasitic infection and each condition index. In general, living in the most heavily forested stream reaches, where hellbender density was highest, was associated with the greatest risk of parasitism, elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (N:L) ratios and eosinophils, slightly lower hematocrit and lower mean body condition in hellbenders. All condition indices fluctuated temporally in a manner consistent with seasonal variation in hellbender metabolic demands and breeding phenology and were associated with land use during at least part of the year. Paradoxically, relatively low levels of forest cover appeared to confer a potential advantage to individuals in the form of release from parasites and improved body condition. Despite improved body condition, individuals from less forested areas failed to exhibit fluctuating body condition in response to spawning, which was typical in hellbenders from more forested habitats. We postulate this lack of fluctuation could be due to reduced conspecific competition or reproductive investment and/or high rates of filial cannibalism in response to declining forest cover.

Social networks reveal sex- and age-patterned social structure in Butler's gartersnakes (Thamnophis butleri).

Sex- and age-based social structures have been well documented in animals with visible aggregations. However, very little is known about the social structures of snakes. This is most likely because snakes are often considered non-social animals and are particularly difficult to observe in the wild. Here, we show that wild Butler's Gartersnakes have an age and sex assorted social structure similar to more commonly studied social animals. To demonstrate this, we use data from a 12-year capture-mark-recapture study to identify social interactions using social network analyses. We find that the social structures of Butler's Gartersnakes comprise sex- and age-assorted intra-species communities with older females often central and age segregation partially due to patterns of study site use. In addition, we find that females tended to increase in sociability as they aged while the opposite occurred in males. We also present evidence that social interaction may provide fitness benefits, where snakes that were part of a social network were more likely to have improved body condition. We demonstrate that conventional capture data can reveal valuable information on social structures in cryptic species. This is particularly valuable as research has consistently demonstrated that understanding social structure is important for conservation efforts. Additionally, research on the social patterns of animals without obvious social groups provides valuable insight into the evolution of group living.

PSVIII-10 An Experimental Weight Management Food Supports Metabolism and Allows for Less Calorie Restriction for Weight Loss in Both Dogs and Cats: a Retrospective Analysis

Abstract Obesity is a growing health concern in dogs and cats. Furthermore, decreased maintenance energy requirements after body weight loss has been linked to rebound weight gain in dogs and cats. Previous research completed by our group has demonstrated that feeding a targeted weight management food to dogs and cats during both the maintenance and weight loss phases results in body weight loss and improved body condition despite increases in caloric intake during the weight maintenance phase. As such, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding two different weight management foods on weight loss on a per Kcal basis in dogs and cats. Obese adult dogs (n = 39) and cats (n = 38) were subjected to a 36-d maintenance phase and then a 112-d weight loss phase in which they were fed either a standard weight management food (control) or a weight management food that included a blend of specific fibers, immuno-modulators, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory botanicals, and lipotropes (test). During the maintenance phase, pets were fed an adjusted amount of calories needed to maintain weight. Diets were adjusted throughout the weight loss phase to achieve a 1 to 2% reduction in BW per week. Intake was collected daily, and body weight (BW) was recorded every 7 d. To calculate the calorie deficit needed to achieve one unit of weight loss, metabolizable energy estimated from modified Atwater equations and food intake were used and the delta of energy intake between maintenance and body weight loss phases was divided by the delta of the BW change during weight loss. Delta energy/delta weight was reduced (P = 0.020) in cats fed the test food when compared with pets fed the control food such that cats fed the weight loss food required a deficit of 56.5 kcal/d and cats fed the control food required a deficit of 82.8 kcal/d to achieve 1 kg of BW loss. Similarly, delta energy/delta weight was reduced (P = 0.045) in dogs fed the test food when compared with dogs fed the control food such that dogs fed the weight loss food required a deficit of 57.2 kcal/d and dogs fed the control food required a deficit of 95.0 kcal/d to achieve 1 kg of BW loss. Overall, feeding the targeted weight management test food resulted in body weight loss with less of a calorie deficit when compared with feeding the control food, suggesting that the metabolism of dogs and cats is altered by the test food. These data suggest that feeding a food that requires less calorie deficit to lose body weight allows pets to consume more food, contributing to improved satiety, without negating their weight loss process. Future research may support a benefit against rebound weight gain.

PSIV-18 Live Yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae) Improves Body Condition Score and Reduces Rectal Temperature in Sows at Weaning

Abstract Achieving optimal health of the sow during gestation and lactation is important to ensure sow longevity and piglet performance. As an oxygen scavenger, live yeast suppresses the growth of undesirable bacteria and promotes fiber-degrading microbes. Consequently, yeast has the potential to promote a healthy gut microbiome and support immune status. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of live yeast supplementation on sow performance during gestation and lactation. A total of 40 sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were assigned to two dietary treatments based on parity and expected farrowing date. The two dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet without (control) or with supplementation of live yeast (Vistacell, AB Vista, UK). Gestation diets were fed for 4-weeks pre-farrowing with the live yeast treatment included at 0.5 kg/t. Lactation diets were fed from farrow until weaning at approximately 24 days with live yeast treatment included at 1.0 kg/t. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the standard least squares option of the fit model platform in JMP 16.0 Pro. Treatment differences were deemed significant at P < 0.05. At farrowing, sows had comparable body weights, backfat thickness, muscle depth, rectal temperature (rTEMP) and body condition score (BCS), irrespective of treatment. At weaning, sows supplemented with live yeast had a greater BCS (3.4 vs. 3.0) than non-supplemented sows (P < 0.01). As average daily feed intakes were comparable across treatments, this suggests that live yeast fed sows were better able to retain condition during the lactation period. In addition, rTEMP was lower (38.6°C vs 39.1°C) in sows fed live yeast at the end of lactation compared with non-supplemented sows (P < 0.05). Although rTEMP was considered within the safe range for sows post-farrow, lowering rTEMP with live yeast may indicate health benefits to the sow. These findings demonstrate the potential of live yeast to improve body condition and reduce the risk of vulnerable sows at weaning.

An ecological networks approach reveals restored native vegetation benefits wild bees in agroecosystems

Conservation of species that rely on mutualistic partners such as pollinators are often better studied using interaction networks and indicators of ecological functions. We used a novel systems-ecology approach using network analysis and bee morphological traits to investigate ecological structure and bee body condition in the context of a conservation practice known as prairie strips established within row-crop fields compared to unrestored field margins. We found the increased flower resources in prairie strips produced a network supporting a greater chance for bee-mediated plant pollination. Some, but not all, bee groups showed improved body condition at prairie strip sites with variation due to taxonomic group, foraging preferences, and body size. This study supports a growing body of literature on the utility of network analysis in more broadly assessing the effect of conservation practices on ecological communities.

Behavioural and physical changes in equine patients after complete extraction of all incisors due to equine odontoclastic tooth resorption with hypercementosis

SummaryBackgroundEquine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) is being increasingly recognised as a painful and debilitating condition in some affected horses, that can produce pain on prehension or result in infected, fractured and loose incisors. The only known way to completely alleviate the pain and secondary infection associated in many horses affected with EOTRH is by extraction of the diseased incisors. Currently, few large‐scale clinical outcome studies have been performed.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine if horses that are diagnosed with clinical EOTRH experience a statistically significant improvement in the quality of their lives after surgical extraction of all incisors and to determine if owners were satisfied with the results of the surgery.Study designA retrospective web‐based survey was sent out to owners of horses diagnosed with EOTRH who had undergone extraction of all incisors in the previous 3 years.MethodsForty‐eight surveys were completed, and the answers examined for statistical significance.ResultsStatistically significant differences were found in the horses' body condition, dropping of hay, speed of eating, general behaviour, resistance to bridling and headshaking. In addition, owners reported that horses were ‘happier’ after surgery and that total extraction improved quality and extended the life of their horse. Over 90% of owners would also elect to have the procedure performed on another horse in the future.Main limitationsRetrospective surveys are prone to selection, recall and misclassification bias.ConclusionsOwners were highly satisfied with the total extraction of all incisors as a treatment for horses affected by EOTRH. Survey results showed that post‐extraction horses had improved body condition and exhibited better bridling and eating behaviours which are consistent with a decrease in dental pain. Owners felt that their horse was happier and that the surgery had improved the horse's quality of life.

Similar post-fledging behavior observed in wild and reintroduced juvenile Bonelli’s Eagle in two Mediterranean islands

Abstract Reintroduction projects are gaining popularity; however, their relatively elevated cost and chance of failure make them debatable, hence assessing their effectiveness is essential. Within the early stages of raptors, the post-fledging dependency period (PFDP) is the one in which individuals must face dangers without having completely developed their skills. Thereby, comparing PFDP patterns concerning reintroduced and wild individuals is of major interest as it would help to plan and improve future conservation actions. We analyzed the behavior of 38 juvenile Bonelli’s Eagles (Aquila fasciata) (15 reintroduced and 23 wild) tracked through GPS telemetry, tagged as nestlings in two insular environments. The study period encompassed 9-yr movement data from reintroduced chicks in Mallorca (Spain) and wild chicks from Sicily (Italy). Movement parameters (i.e., age of first flight, age of dispersal, length of the PFDP, revisits to the natal or release area, and residence time in them) were analyzed together with their behavior for reintroduced and wild individuals. Similar movement patterns were obtained for both origins, although wild individuals revisited the natal site more often and dispersed earlier. Behavior was also similar, though it varied throughout the PFDP, observing a more abrupt progress in wild individuals and an earlier development of travelling and hunting behaviors. Observed differences are probably related to food availability, which can improve body condition and thus delay onset of dispersal, together with parental presence, which can prompt an earlier ending of the PFDP by encouraging juvenile independence. In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights into the behavior of reintroduced Bonelli’s Eagles during their PFDP and how it compares to their wild counterparts. Our results suggest that reintroduced individuals can successfully adapt to their environment and behave similarly to wild individuals. These findings can aid in the planning and improvement of future reintroduction projects and conservation actions for this endangered species.

Abstract 363: Modelling cancer cachexia using a comprehensive panel of heterogeneous esophageal squamous cell carcinoma xenografts for therapeutic application

Abstract Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of deadliest esophageal malignancies in Asia. Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial body wasting syndrome and is one of the major causes of death in late-stage patients (1). It is characterized by skeletal muscle loss and atrophy, adipose and body wasting, and metabolic dysregulations and stress (1). ESCC is one of the cancer types with the highest morbidity and mortality rates due to cancer cachexia (2). However, there are few effective and approved treatments targeting cancer cachexia. Currently, cancer cachexia animal models are highly limited with few cancer types available as a pre-clinical drug testing platform, with none related to esophageal carcinoma (3). Results: Here we have developed a panel of ESCC patient-derived organoid xenograft (PDOX) mouse model based on our latest patient-derived organoid cultures originating from Hong Kong patients. Our immunodeficient mouse-based PDOX model resembles different cachexic phenotypes that cell line-derived xenograft lacks, including body (skeletal muscle and adipose tissue) wasting and functional signs (e.g. lack of body movement, reduced muscle strength, and loss of appetite). The slow-proliferating characteristic of the ESCC PDOX allows development of a cachexic condition before humane endpoint. Furthermore, our full panel of PDOX lines allowed us to identify the full spectrum, differential cachexia severity across mice bearing different PDOXs, indicating a heterogenous nature. We have comprehensively characterized the cachexia phenotypes and performed proof-of-concept preclinical drug tests using established anti-cachexic drugs; treated PDOX-bearing mice have improved body condition and function compared to the control, which were further verified by histological examinations of tissue samples. Molecular analysis showed that several classic cachexia related gene expressions were down-regulated in isolated liver (Il1b) and inguinal adipose tissues (adipose triglyceride lipase). Conclusions: Our ESCC PDOX model potentially serves as a great pre-clinical cachexia-targeted drug testing platform, providing more treatment options for ESCC patients for better disease management. Acknowledgement: We acknowledge the Research Grants Council (TRS T12-701/17-R to MLL) and the Food and Health Bureau (HMRF 06171566 to VZY) of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for funding supports. We acknowledge DSMZ for the KYSE cell lines. We acknowledge the HKUMed-CPOS for providing imaging facilities.

Synergies of feed, management trainings, and genetics on milk production of dairy cows in the tropics: The case of Ethiopian smallholder farmers

Efforts made so far to increase milk production of indigenous cattle by upgrading with exotic genotypes through crossbreeding under smallholder farmer conditions in Ethiopia have resulted in limited improvement. This study was conducted to determine if combining improved feed and management-related trainings with Holstein genetics will synergistically increase the milk production of dairy cows, and to examine the degree to which the increase or improvement is related to the level of exotic genetics involved. A total of 96 smallholder dairy farmers were purposively selected and allocated to one of three treatments reflecting differing degrees of capacity building support: (1) no training and no material support (Control); (2) training provided by another project (PAID) but without material support; (3) enhanced training plus material support (Feed-Mgt). Sixteen extension development agents and eight livestock experts were selected to provide training and weekly on-farm data collection, monitoring, technical support, and messaging reinforcement visits. Enhanced training addressed a broad range of topics related to feed and feeding, improved forage production, milk production and handling, construction and use of improved dairy housing, disease control, and dairy farm record keeping. Material support was in the form of formulated dairy concentrate feed and improved forage planting materials (seeds/seedlings). Data collection included variables describing animal performance, management practice adoption, and milk and butter quality. Tail hair samples for genetic profiling of breed makeup were also collected from all cows in the study. Results showed that there was a very significant effect of treatment (P < 0.001) on milk production, as well as treatment by week interaction (P = 0.034), with the effect of treatment markedly increasing over time (P = 0.032). That is, cows in Feed-Mgt group had up to 26.6% greater milk production compared to those in the Control group. Region and region by treatment interaction have no effects. Cows used in the experiment had varying proportions of Holstein-Friesian genome that ranged between 0 and 100%, suggesting prevalence of indiscriminate crossbreeding. Cows with a high proportion of Holstein genetics in treatment 3 produced more milk as compared to those in control group. Besides, supplemental feed improved body condition, reduced number of services per conception and resulted in higher lactation length of cows on treatment 3 compared with those on treatments 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). Overall, our findings suggest that an integrated approach of improved feed, feeding practices, and management training for smallholder dairy that goes beyond the improvement of genetics will increase milk production, improve milk quality and body condition, and resulted in higher length of lactation.

Combined effects of supplementation of amino acids and immunocastration in first antler growth of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama)

Context Amino acid supplementation and immunocastration are two husbandry practices with an increasing interest in the worldwide growing industry of deer farming. Amino acids (AAs) optimise nutrition and feed costs and improve the quality of products such as venison, velvet or antlers. Immunocastration (IC) reduces agonistic behaviours, which produce carcass damage and reduced growth. Thus, both treatments have positive effects on body growth, but may interfere with hormonal regulation, subsequently affecting antler growth. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the combined use of both practices and their impact on body and antler growth. Methods Forty-four yearling male fallow deer, approximate 10 months old, were subjected to the following four combinations based on both treatments: control–control, AA–control, IC–control, and AA–IC. Immunocastration treatment started in March 2020 and was repeated after 50 and 130 days. All groups received 250 g per animal and day of grains, and those under AA supplementation received ruminally protected lysine 6.3 g and ruminally protected methionine 2.1 g per animal and day. Biometric data, antlers and metatarsus were collected at slaughter in November. Antlers and metatarsus were analysed through computer-tomography scanning and mineral spectrometry. Key results Supplementation of AAs scarcely affected antler growth, although an indirect effect through improved body condition cannot be rejected. Immunocastration showed significant but not dramatic effects: IC animals had lighter antlers, with a lower amount of cortical bone and less mineralisation (density and calcium and phosphorus concentrations) in the base of the antler than did control animals. In contrast, the effects were scarce at the top of the antler and the metatarsus. Conclusions The results suggest a reduction but not total suppression of testosterone, with almost negligible effects on body growth and internal bones, thus not raising animal welfare issues. Implications Both techniques can be used simultaneously in deer farming, especially in farms with venison-production goals. Future research should focus on optimising the vaccination schedule for the main farmed deer species to ensure that the welfare benefits are well balanced with productivity.

Demographic response of a high-Arctic polar bear (Ursus maritimus) subpopulation to changes in sea ice and subsistence harvest

Climate change is a long-term threat to polar bears. However, sea-ice loss is hypothesized to provide transient benefits in high latitudes, where thick multiyear ice historically limited biological productivity and seal abundance. We used joint live-recapture and dead-recovery mark-recapture models to analyze data for one of the most northerly polar bear subpopulations, Kane Basin. The data consisted of 277 initial live captures and genetic identifications (1992-1997 = 150, 2012-2014 = 127), 89 recaptures or re-identifications (1992-1997 = 53, 2012-2014 = 36), and 24 harvest returns of research-marked bears during 1992-2014. We estimated mean annual abundance of 357 bears (95% CI: 221-493) for 2013-2014. This suggests a likely increase relative to our estimate of 224 (95% CI: 145-303) bears in the mid-1990s and relative to a previously published estimate of 164 (95% CI: 94-234) bears in the mid-1990s that used some of the same data. This is also supported by an apparent increase in the density of bears in eastern Kane Basin during 2012-2014. Estimates of total survival for females ≥3 yr old (mean ± SE: 0.95 ± 0.04) and their dependent offspring were similar to previous estimates from the 1990s, and estimates of unharvested survival for females ≥3 yr (0.96 ± 0.04) appear sufficient for positive population growth. Estimates of total survival were lower for males ≥3 yr (0.87 ± 0.06). We documented a reduction in mortality associated with subsistence harvest, likely attributable to implementation of a harvest quota by Greenland in 2006. Our findings, together with evidence for increased range sizes, improved body condition for all sex and age classes, and stable reproductive metrics, show that this small high-Arctic polar bear subpopulation remains productive and healthy. These benefits are likely temporary given predictions for continued climate change.

Rocks and Vegetation Cover Improve Body Condition of Desert Lizards during Both Summer and Winter

Microhabitats provide ecological and physiological benefits to animals, sheltering them from predation and extreme temperatures and offering an additional supply of water and food. However, most studies have assumed no energetic costs of searching for microhabitats or moving between them, or considered how the availability of microhabitats may affect the energy reserves of animals and how such effects may differ between seasons. To fill these gaps, we studied how the body condition of lizards is affected by microhabitat availability in the extreme environment of the Judean Desert. In particular, we quantified how vegetation and rock cover in the vicinity of these lizards affect their body condition during summer and winter. First, we used aerial imagery to map the vegetation/rock cover at two study sites. Next, we collected 68 adult lizards and examined how their body condition varies across seasons and availability of vegetation and rock cover. In addition, we examined how vegetation and rock cover may differ in their effective distance (i.e., the distance that best explains body condition of lizards). We found that lizards body condition was better if they were collected closer to a higher availability of vegetation or rocks. However, while close proximity (within 10 m) was the best predictor for the positive effect of rocks, a greater distance (up to 90 m) was the best predictor for the effect of the vegetation cover. Moreover, the positive effect of vegetation was 12-fold higher than the effect of rocks. Interestingly, although the lizards' body condition during winter was poorer than during summer, the positive effects of rock and vegetation cover remained constant between the seasons. This similarity of benefits across seasons suggests that shaded microhabitats have important additional ecological roles regardless of climate, and that they may provide thermoregulatory benefits in winter too. We also found a synergic effect of vegetation and rock cover on the lizards' body condition, suggesting that their roles are complementary rather than overlapping. Our research has revealed the importance of shade- and shelter-providing microhabitats in both summer and winter. We suggest that proximity to microhabitat diversity may contribute to better body condition in lizards or, alternatively, facilitates competition and attracts lizards with better body condition. Comprehending the complex interactions between animals and different microhabitats is critical for developing better conservation plans, understanding the risks of climate change, and suggesting mitigation strategies.

Crop circles revealed spatio-temporal patterns of beaver foraging on cereal fields

The surface of the Earth is increasingly dominated by human-modified ecosystems, and many wildlife species are adapting to live within agricultural landscapes. Crops offer a predictable and nutritious food source that may become an integral part of the diet of some wildlife species. Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) are closely associated with forests and wetlands, but recolonizing their previous range following centuries of persecution, they settle into a highly anthropogenic landscape. We investigated spatial patterns of beaver foraging on cereals in southeastern-Norway, 2019 and 2020, as well as beaver movements in crop fields using GPS tags, 2010–2021. Beavers foraged mostly on wheat (Triticum aestivum), followed by oats (Avena sativa), barley (Hordeum sativum), and rye (Secale cereale). The probability that a beaver would forage on cereals decreased with the width of the forested buffer zone, and with increasing elevational gain from water. The extent of foraging increased while cereal plants ripened in early fall, and beavers removed larger areas when foraging further away from water. The extent of foraging varied among beaver territories, but we could not identify the cause of these differences. However, we found that beavers that moved extensively in crop fields also displayed an improved body condition. During late summer to early fall, cereals might provide a supplementary food source for this generalist and opportunistic species. As wildlife populations settle into agricultural land, crops might become a vital part of their diet, which requires research attention to reduce conflicts and improve our understanding of wildlife foraging ecology within anthropogenic landscapes.

Body condition of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) feeding on the Pacific Coast reflects local and basin-wide environmental drivers

A small subset of the Eastern North Pacific gray whale population does not make the full migration from wintering grounds in Mexico to feeding grounds in the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort seas and instead feed along the Pacific Coast between northern California and northern British Columbia – this group is known as the Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG). We evaluated the body condition of PCFG whales observed in northern Washington and along Vancouver Island to evaluate how body condition of gray whales changes within and between years. We found that PCFG gray whales improve body condition through the feeding season and at varying rates by year and that they have variability in their body condition at the start and end of each feeding season. The inclusion of environmental factors, particularly the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (lagged two years) and September kelp canopy cover along the Washington coast (lagged one year), drastically improved the ability of a multiple regression model to predict average whale body condition for a given year as compared to models without environmental factors included. A comparison of our findings to a previously published study on body condition of gray whales at Sakhalin Island, Russia highlight the differences of life history strategy between a group of whales with a long migration (Sakhalin whales) and those with a short migration. Whales feeding at Sakhalin Island gain body condition quicker and more predictably to a good body condition by the end of the feeding season than the whales we studied in the PCFG. Photogrammetry may be an effective method for monitoring the effects of climate change on PCFG gray whales.

Early Hatch and Managed Native Grasslands Minorly Improve Bobwhite Juvenile Body Condition

Precocial young leave their nest immediately after hatch to move and forage as a group during a rapid period of development. Growth and body condition are correlated with survival; young are better able to thermoregulate as they become larger, and they are better able to escape predators as they become more mobile. Environmental conditions can influence development and ultimately survival. We evaluated weather, cover type, and temporal factors affecting northern bobwhite juvenile body condition. We captured 216 individuals from 33 broods >16 d old on five conservation areas in southwest Missouri in 2017 and 2018. Brood hatch dates ranged from 26 May through 19 September. Body condition was measured as the residuals from a linear regression of juvenile tarsus length and body mass on capture. We found some support for improved body condition earlier in the breeding season and in native grasslands that were burned and grazed within the previous 2 y. However, models representing these effects had similar support to the null model (i.e., ΔWAIC<2), indicating weak support. Limited support for these effects may have been due to limited data or the influence of other environmental factors not considered in our competing model set. Our top model supported negative effects of later hatching date and agricultural crop cover on juvenile body condition. The early breeding season is an important period for successful bobwhite productivity, and native grasslands managed with rotational fire and grazing may create higher quality brood rearing habitat for improved juvenile body condition.

Exposure to cumulative stressors affects the laying phenology and incubation behaviour of an Arctic-breeding marine bird

Wildlife are exposed to multiple stressors across life-history stages, the effects of which can be amplified as human activity surges globally. In Arctic regions, increasing air and ocean temperatures, more severe weather systems, and exposure to environmental contaminants all represent stressors occurring simultaneously. While Arctic vertebrates, including marine birds, are expected to be at risk of adverse effects from these individual stressors, few studies have researched their combined impacts on breeding behaviour and reproductive success. The interactive effects of environmental conditions and mercury (Hg) contamination on laying phenology and incubation behaviour were examined in female common eiders (Somateria mollissima, mitiq, ᒥᑎᖅ ᐊᒪᐅᓕᒡᔪᐊᖅ) nesting at Canada’s largest Arctic breeding colony. Conditions with higher pre-breeding air temperatures were linked to females with higher egg Hg concentrations laying earlier than those with lower Hg values. Furthermore, examination of a total of 190 days of incubation behaviour from 61 eiders across two years revealed a negative relationship between wind speed and the frequency of incubation interruptions. Importantly, exposure to higher air temperatures combined with lower Hg concentrations was significantly correlated with increased incubation interruptions. Although previous research has shown that warmer spring temperatures could afford lower quality females more time to improve body condition to successfully lay, results suggest these females may face stronger cumulative fitness costs during incubation in warmer years, potentially in combination with the effects of Hg on physiological stress and hormone secretion. This study highlights how multiple stressors exposure, driven by human-induced environmental changes, can have a complex influence on reproduction.

Thymomodulin in association with antifungal drugs in the therapy of cats with disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis: a prospective study

ABSTRACT: Feline sporotrichosis is a relevant mycose in veterinary medicine due to its severity and zoonotic potential and the fact that it can be difficult to treat. The immune status of the animal exerts influence on the prognosis of the disease and determines its clinical outcome. This study evaluated the efficacy of the immunomodulatory thymomodulin as an adjunct to antifungal therapy in cats with disseminated sporotrichosis; thymomodulin was used in association with itraconazole (ITL) and potassium iodide (KI) to treat this fungal disease in the feline patient. Thirty-one cats (n=31) diagnosed with disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis were divided into two groups as follows: Group 1 (G1) (n=16), which included those animals that were treated with thymomodulin in association with ITL and KI, and Group 2 (G2) (n=15) which had pacientsthat received ITL and KI only. The response to different treatment modalities was assessed, considering the survival rate, time frame for the lesions to respond to therapy, and clinical improvement or deterioration according to a body condition score system. Animals from G1 had a survival rate of nearly 100% (93.6%) that was approximately twice higher than the survival rate of those animals from G2 (53%). Moreover, patients from G1 had a significantly better prognosis, improved body condition, and shorter time for remission of the extra cutaneous clinical signs (p&lt;0.02). Our findings showed that the association of thymomodulin with ITL and KI improves the prognosis of cats with disseminated cutaneous sporotrichosis.