Stone's Sheep Research Articles

Muskox lungworm (Umingmakstrongylus pallikuukensis) does not establish in experimentally exposed thinhorn sheep (Ovis dalli).

Muskoxen (Ovibos moschlatus moschatus) on the northwestern mainland of Nunavut and Northwest Territories, Canada, are infected with the protostrongylid lungworm, Umingmaksrongylus pallikuuhkensis. The geographic range of this muskox population is expanding to the south and west, and it is anticipated that these animals will eventually become sympatric with Dall's sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) in the Mackenzie and Richardson Mountains. To address the concern of wildlife managers that U. pallikulkensis may infect and adversely affect Dalls sheep, four Dalls/Stone's (Ovis dalli stonei) hybrid lambs and one adult muskox (Ovibos moschatus wardi) were each given 100 third-stage larvae of U. pallikuukensis. All animals were intensively monitored for 9 mo postinfection (PI) using clinical examinations, fecal analyses, hematology, blood chiemistry and medical imaging. No first-stage larvae of U. pallikuinkensis were recovered from the lambs and monitoring revealed nio evidence that the parasite had established in any of these animals. First-stage larvae were found in the feces of the muskox beginning at 94 days PI, and typical parasite cysts were visible in lung radiographs at 188 days PI. This study addresses an important management and wildlife health issue associated with the potential for host-switching of pathogens and indicates that it is improbable that thinhorn sheep are suitable hosts for U. pallikuukensis.

PrP genotyping of Austrian sheep breeds.

Scrapie, an ovine and caprine transmissible spongiforme encephalopathy, is widely spread among sheep populations in many European countries. As it is known that susceptibility to scrapie is determined genetically, breeding programmes aiming at providing scrapie-resistant flocks have been established. Selection is based on the prion protein (PrP) genotype, which is used to classify animals into risk groups of susceptibility (R1-R5) according to the amino acids encoded by codons at positions 136, 154 and 171, respectively. At position 136 (136V-->136A) alanine and at position 154 (154H-->154R) as well as 171 (171Q-->171R) arginine are the favoured amino acids. Whereas PrP genotyping data are available for many of the European sheep breeds, comparable data for local Austrian sheep breeds are missing. The most known among these are Tyrolean mountain sheep, forest sheep. Tyrolean stone sheep and Carynthian sheep. The genotypes of 112 sheep from these four local breeds were determined. In terms of PrP genetics, Austrian breeds belong to the group of non-valine-breeds, with the exception of the Carynthian sheep, that exhibited a frequency of 136V of 4.2%. The most frequent allele was ARQ with 64.6-71.2% (depending on the breed), followed by ARR (14.8-25.8%). In contrast to the above-mentioned findings, scrapie has never been diagnosed in any of the Austrian sheep breeds. Native Austrian sheep breeds exhibit a very robust constitution, a pronounced adaptation to harsh climates and good reproduction parameters as well as a marked mother instinct. Therefore, these breeds are often used in crossbreeding programmes. Beside the above-mentioned characteristics, our results indicate that the investigated breeds may be effectively used in crossing-out breeding programmes for eliminating valine at position 136 of PrP.

Lumpy jaw in wild sheep and its evolutionary implications.

The distribution and prevalence of mandibular osteomyelitis, lumpy jaw, and other dental anomalies in wild sheep were investigated and their biological and evolutionary implications were assessed. Our survey was based on 3,363 mandibles of wild sheep and 1,028 from domesticated varieties. Lumpy jaw is widespread in wild sheep of North America, but it is rare or absent in wild sheep from Eurasia. Among the subspecies of Ovis spp. in North American, the thinhorn sheep (Ovis dalli) were the most seriously impacted, with a prevalence in Dall's sheep (O. dalli dalli) of 23.3% and 29.3% in Stone's sheep (O. dalli stonei). Among the bighorns (O. canadensis), the Rocky Mountain subspecies (O. canadensis canadensis) had a higher rate (12.1%) than other subspecies. Lumpy jaw was not documented in the desert sheep of Baja California (O. canadensis cremnobates, O. canadensis weemsii). Based on data from affected thinhorn sheep, it appears there is an inverse relationship between age of a subspecies in a long term evolutionary context and susceptibility to lumpy jaw. In Eurasian wild sheep lumpy jaw is rare or absent with prevalences ranging from 0 to 7.1% among suspecies, and in domesticated breeds the prevalence averaged 5.0%. The impact of lumpy jaw on different age classes or longevity is equivocal, although females are more susceptible than males. Lumpy jaw appears to effect horn development in males.

Wolf predation in a multiple-ungulate system in northern British Columbia

Caribou (Rangifer tarandus), elk (Cervus canadensis), moose (Alces alces), and Stone's sheep (Ovis dalli stonei) were either decreasing or stable in numbers in two areas in northeastern British Columbia in 1981-1982, prior to reductions in wolf (Canis lupus) numbers. Following the reduction of wolf numbers, recruitment improved 2-5 times for all four species, and all populations increased, based on either hunting statistics, census results, and (or) recruitments greater than 24 offspring at 9 months of age per 100 females. Recruitment of offspring at 9 months of age, when regressed against wolf numbers, declined with decelerating slopes for all four species. This inverse functional response is hypothesized to result from the preparturient spacing of females to reduce predation risk, and in this regard moose seem the least secure and sheep the most effectively spaced. For the four species, mean recruitment at 9 months of age that balanced adult mortality and provided a finite rate of increase of 1.00 was 24.16 ± 0.91 offspring/100 females (n = 11, coefficient of variation = 12.5%). The predicted recruitment rate for all four species in the absence of wolves was 53-57 offspring/100 females. But the birth rate of moose was much higher than those of the other species, indicating greater loss to other factors of which bear predation may be the greatest. Following wolf reductions of 60-86% of entire travelling packs, the wolves quickly recolonized the removal zones, with rates of increase ranging from 1.5 to 5.6.

Contact transmission of psoroptic mange from bighorn to Stone sheep.

Psoroptes sp. mites and tan crusty lesions were detected in the ears of a captive Stone sheep (Ovis dalli stonei) in April 1996, after contact with infected captive Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis). Psoroptes spp. have not been detected in free-ranging ungulates in Canada or Alaska (USA). This is the first report of Psoroptes sp. in Stone sheep, indicating their susceptibility to infection.

Forensic Identification of Ungulate Species Using Restriction Digests of PCR-Amplified Mitochondrial DNA

A survey of mitochondrial D-loop variation in 15 species of ungulates was conducted via amplification by the polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. This survey included moose (Alces alces), caribou (Rangifer tarandus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus), black-tailed deer (O. h. columbianus), white-tailed deer (O. virginianus), waipiti (Cervus elaphus), pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana), bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), Stone's sheep (O. dalli), domestic sheep (O. aries), moulflon sheep (O. musimon), mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus), domestic goat (Capra hircus), domestic cattle (Bos taurus), and bison (Bison bison). The results of this preliminary survey indicate that there may be sufficient species specific variation in the D-loop region of the mitochondrial genome of the ungulate species examined here, with the exception of deer (Odocoileus) species, to establish the species origin of the mitochondrial haplotypes of this group. The Odocoileus species are known to hybridize and sharing of mtDNA haplotypes was observed. The chelex DNA extraction technique was successfully used on small blood stains.

Distorted Sex Ratios in Young Ungulates: The Role of Nutrition

The long-held view that sex ratios of ungulates at birth are at or near parity has been the subject of considerable debate. Numerous examples of distorted sex ratios at birth have been reported, but the observations and their interpretation have not been consistent. Study of captive ungulates can provide valuable information on this contentious subject because relevant data are easy to obtain and are reliable. We assessed sex ratios of offspring from ungulates held in game farms in the Yukon Territory, Canada. Elk ( Cervus elaphus nelsoni ), reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus tarandus ), mountain goats ( Oreamnus americanus ), Dall's sheep ( Ovis dalli dalli ), Stone's sheep ( Ovis dalli stonei ), and caribou ( Rangifer tarandus caribou ) were studied. Sample sizes among these species varied from 11 to 320 young, and observation periods varied between 2 and 23 years. All six ungulates showed a distorted sex ratio of neonates favoring females, which we attribute to the high-quality supplementary feed provided to these animals.

Foraging behaviour and food habits of Stone's sheep

Foraging behaviour of Stone's sheep (Ovis dalli stonei) was compared between different times of the year and between burned and unburned ranges. Seasonal habitat selection resulted in the sheep feeding on the ranges which provided the highest quality available forage. In winter, snow severely restricted the area that provided available forage. Sheep fed primarily on grasses, although forbs and browse were also important foods in the spring and summer. Plant species selected by the sheep in summer were not higher in protein or lower in acid detergent fiber than avoided species, but rather lacked the physical and chemical deterrents present in avoided plants. Intake rate (estimated from biting rate of ewes and foraging time) appeared to be independent of herbage quantity on spring ranges.

Nutrition of Stone's Sheep on Burned and Unburned Ranges

Etude menee de 1980 a 1983 dans le nord des Rocheuses, pres de la Toad River, Colombie Britannique. La qualite du fourrage dans les zones brulees n'est pas superieure a celle du fourrage des zones non brulees

Body Weights and Measurements of Stone's Sheep

Body Weights and Measurements of Stone's Sheep

Horn Growth and Population Quality in Dall Sheep

Measures of horn growth of Dall sheep (Ovis dalli dalli) are compared with physical, demographic, and meteorological measurements. Horn growth is not correlated with body size in either ewes or rams. Rams showing rapid early growth of horn show slower subsequent growth. Gradual wear influences the measured length of the lamb annulus in both ewes and rams. Horn growth is a function of precipitation, implicating primary production, and shows marked differences between years. These differences appear to be correlated with recruitment. Horn growth of rams is more strongly affected by differences in environmental conditions between years than is horn growth of ewes. In good years, growth is enhanced uniformly over all ram age-classes; in poor years growth in younger age-classes is depressed more severely than is growth in older age-classes. Condition of the dam can affect horn growth of rams for a period of at least 5 years following birth. Useful indices of quality can be constructed from simple measurements such as length of annuli provided the lamb annulus is ignored and affects of calendar year are acknowledged. Measures presented argue for the importance of range quality in the production of trophy animals. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 42(4):764-775 Twici, huntsman to King Edward II, remarked, The head grows according to the pasture, good or otherwise (Dryden 1908). Since then, relationships between bioenergetic regime and antler growth have been documented for many species (Mouquet 1921, French et al. 1959, Long et al. 1959, Chapman 1975). Nievergelt (1966) noted correlations between precipitation, thus primary production, and horn growth of alpine ibex (Capra ibex). Heimer and Smith (1975) demonstrated a broad correlation (r = 0.43) between measurements of horn quality and percent glacial cover (assumed to be an index of range quality) for Dall sheep in Alaska. Other data relating horn growth to range quality for native bovids are scarce. Nievergelt (1966) noted that demographic characteristics and morphological variations were related within herds of alpine ibex. In particular, animals with large horn size, large body size, rapid growth, short life expectancy, and high fecundity occurred in expanding ibex herds, while smaller horn and body sizes, slower growth rates, longer life expectancies, and lower fecundities were found in stable or declining herds. Geist (1966, 1971) noted similar patterns in bighorn (0. canadensis canadensis) and Stone sheep (0. d. stonei) and expressed these relationships as an hypothesis of population quality. Together, these observations indicate relationships between quality of the horns, population, and range. Shackleton (1973, 1976) evaluated several postulates of the hypothesis expressed by Geist (1971), utilizing information from different populations of bighorn sheep. This paper concentrates on one attribute of population quality, horn growth, and examines that attribute for Dall sheep. It addresses differences between years within the same population and notes their implications to management. Objectives of the study were threefold 1) to examine hypotheses of population quality as they relate to horn growth of Dall sheep; 2) to document interannual differences in horn growth, and; 3) to discuss the implications of such dif'This study was supported by the Committee on Arctic and Alpine Research of the University of British Columbia and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs of Canada. 764 J. Wildl. Manage. 42(4):1978 This content downloaded from 142.103.160.110 on Mon, 23 Feb 2015 12:47:37 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions HORN GROWTH OF DALL SHEEP* Bunnell 765 ferences to the management of Dall

G-band patterns, hemoglobin, and transferrin types of the bharal: chromosomal evolutionary relationships with sheep and goats.

G-band patterns of the bharal (Pseudois nayaur), 2n = 54, were compared with those of wild sheep (Ovis dalli stonei), 2n = 54, and the Persian wild goat (Capra hircus), 2n = 60. Patterns of the longer segments of the biarmed chromosomes of Pseudois were similar to those of the longer biarmed segments of Ovis, whereas the shorter segments differed. Biarmed chromosomal segments had G-band homologies with specific acrocentric autosomes of Capra and were ranked as follows in descending order of relative lengths: Pseudois 1:4/13; 2:1/27 and 3:3/29; and for Ovis 1:1/5; 2:3/10 and 3:4.9. Arm ratios and relative lengths of the biarmed chromosomes were compared. The Y chromosome of Pseudois is a small biarmed chromosome that resembles those of Capra and Ovis. Hemoglobin B was observed in the bharal and was indistinguishable from Hb B of Ovis using starch-gel electrophoresis. The transferrin "zone pair" of Pseudois migrated more slowly in starch-gel electrophoresis than do any of the known transferrin types in sheep and goats. We refer to this transferrin as Pseudois Tf A. The biarmed formations of Pseudois and Ovis are discussed in relation to karyotype evolution and possible speciation.

Physiologic values of stone sheep.

Physiologic values obtained from 10 stone sheep (Ovis dalli stonei) were reported, providing a start in establishing base line values for the species. The influence of excitability, diet, and stress of the sheep at sampling upon certain values was recognized.

Animal Groups in Philadelphia Museum

REGARDING our comment about the incongruous grouping of small mammals in certain cases in the Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia (July 16, 1932, p. 90), Mr. Leigh Mitchell Hodges, public relations director of the Academy, writes to say that the sole purpose of the cases in question was to bring together the outstanding examples of the small mammals common to Pennsylvania and New Jersey. No effort was made to exhibit them in their natural surroundings, the grouping being simply a convenient aggregation primarily for the education of school children. Nevertheless, the introduction of a certain amount of ‘environment’ might suggest to children the definite association in Nature of species not usually found together, and this possibility is what we had in mind. In the Museum as a whole, as is well known, great progress has been made in the development of habitat groups, the large cases illustrating lions, Kodiak brown bears, Stone's sheep, and Rocky Mountain goats being particularly fine examples of such exhibits. During the present year, groups of musk-oxen and whistling swans have been constructed, and the programme for the future includes cases of the giant sable antelope, African animals at a water-hole, and the giant panda of Tibet.

A New Low Pass of the Rockies

THE Rocky Mountains, viewed from the Beaverlodge district of the Peace River Plains, present a jagged range diminishing in height toward the north and increasing in ruggedness and elevation toward the south until they culminate in the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson. One peak stands out pre-eminent: a broad base tapering gradually to the needlelike point resembling an Indian teepee, and so named by the aborigines. But with the coming of the white man the peak was renamed Mount Ida (elevation 10,135 feet), although the Indian guides of the region still cling to its original name. Just south of Mount Teepee, and towering 800 feet above it, is a tremendous mountain mass, surrounded by extensive ice-fields. Enveloping mists permit only an occasional view of its wedge-shaped summit. The Cree Indians call it Kitchie, meaning The Mighty, but, as with Mount Teepee, the white man ignored the significant Indian name, and Mr. S. Prescott Fay placed it on the map as Mount Alexander; subsequently geographers knighted the mountain, and it now appears as Mount Sir Alexander. Its height we subsequently measured as 10,980 feet. No maps of the country on the slopes of the Continental Divide north of Mount Kitchie were known to exist, and as far as could be ascertained nothing had been attempted in that region since Murray and Copley's reconnaissance map of 1892. These surveyors, who had carefully worked out the Peace River basin, designated the area to the south as High snow and glacier peaks, unexplored. Warburton Pike in 1890 had skirted the north and west edges of this territory, and H. Somers-Somerset, in 1893, in an attempt to cross the northern section of this area from Dunvegan, on the Peace River in Alberta, through Pine Pass was reduced to killing his pack animals for food, and reached Fort McLeod almost starving. Local inquiry revealed that this country was shunned by native trappers, and that all professional guides gave it a bad name, declaring it contained no game. When in 1926 we unloaded our duffle [stores and kit] at the Hudson Bay post on the Peace River, called Hudson Hope, we had in mind to map the mountain ranges and the rivers of this area, as well as to find the northern limits of the Rocky Mountain sheep (Ovis canadensis) and the southern range of the Stone sheep (Ovis stonei). We were interested in determining whether the ranges of stonei and canadensis overlapped and whether these sheep interbred.