Total Number Of Birds Research Articles

Impacts of trees species and functional traits on birds visitation in a Nigerian montane forest: Implications for conservation: Trees Functional Traits and Birds Visitation

Birds provide ecosystem services that play crucial role in maintaining forest ecosystems. However, the knowledge of the relationship between different bird assemblages and different forest types is still scanty. We analyzed the impacts of different tree species of different functional traits on visitation preferences by birds in Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve, Nigeria (7°30′N, 11°30′E). We monitored visitation of different bird species to trees using the point-count method. A total of 32 bird species were recorded. Must of bird species (28 species) were insectivores, while four species are frugivores. The rate of visitation of different bird species differs significantly among the different tree species. Correlation analyses showed that the frequency of birds’ visits depend on abundance of individuals of a tree species. However, some of the tree species are more frequently visited by different species of birds, while other trees are peculiar in terms of visitation preferences by some of the bird species. More important tree species as the frequency of birds’ visitation is concern include M. lanceolata (205), P. fulva (134), and B. speciosa (113). Trees that were visited by the highest number of species of birds include B. speciosa (28), M. lanceolata (20), and T. aurentalis (19). There was also a positive effect of trees' functional traits on the total number of birds’ visits, but there was no correlation between the trees' functional traits with the abundance of individual bird species visitation. We hypothesized that small morphological differences among trees will have no impact on bird's visitation as found in this study. These results and interpretations have implications for sustainable management and conservation of montane forest and possibly elsewhere.

Using electronic application for monitoring animals in protected areas on the example survey 123

Monitoring of the animal world is an important component in the development of world science. Observations of animals in specially protected nature areas are conducted year-round. The goal of the study was to develop electronic data collection forms for Survey123 used for ArcGIS application and to collect field data using this application tested during the field seasons 2018–2019 in the National Park Russian Arctic. Monitoring of the number of Arctic animals (white bears, walruses, seals, etc.) was carried out from the marine vessel and along the walking routes during the polar day by the state inspectors of the Russian Arctic National Park. The results of the application testing were the animal counting field data in electronic format taken during one flight of the 50 Years of Victory icebreaker, on the vessel “Altai” and during three flights of the Sea Spirit vessel. The total number of mammals obtained using the application during the 2018–2019 field seasons was 3,452 individuals, and the total number of birds was 14,457. All animal encounters are referenced by coordinates and presented on the electronic map. The Survey123 application testing during the 2018–2019 field seasons showed the efficiency of collecting animal data in electronic format which makes the data immediately available for processing and analysis. At the end of the field seasons, it was concluded that the electronic application can completely replace the hand-written register of animals.

Behavioral traits of artificially and naturally hatched geese in intensive and free-range production systems

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of hatching type and production system on behavioral traits in geese. The animal subjects within the study consisted of 240 native Turkish goslings produced in artificial (120) or natural incubation (120) conditions. After completing hatching process, the goslings hatched by natural incubation remained with their mothers for 3 days, while the goslings produced by artificial incubation were immediately taken to the production house. The study was designed with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (hatching type × production system) with 4 pens per treatment combination and 15 geese per pen. For each behavior (accessing the outdoor area, fearfulness, foraging, feather pecking, preening, resting–standing, wing flapping–feather shaking, running), the percentage of geese performing specific behaviors to the total number of birds in the pen was determined. There was no difference between the levels of outdoor access between the geese hatched artificially and naturally: 84.5 % and 85.4 % of them accessed the outdoors, respectively. The interaction effect was found to be significant in fearfulness, feather pecking, foraging, resting–standing, wing flapping–feather shaking, and preening behaviors (p < 0.01). Naturally hatched geese reared in an intensive system showed less fearfulness than naturally hatched geese reared in the free-range system (p < 0.01). Artificial incubation increases the probability of fearfulness in geese 1.19 times compared to natural hatching (odds ratio = 1.187, p = 0.000), and the free-range production system was 2.69 times more likely to cause fearfulness than the intensive system (odds ratio = 2.686, p = 0.000). A 1-unit decrease in fearfulness resulted in increases of 3.5 % in the number of foraging geese (odds ratio = 1.035, p = 0.033), 56.1 % in feather pecking (odds ratio = 1.561, p = 0.000), 17.1 % in preening (odds ratio = 1.171, p = 0.000) and 10.3 % in wing flapping-feather shaking (odds ratio = 1.103, p = 0.000). More geese showed feather pecking, wing flapping-feather shaking and preening behaviors in the intensive system as compared to free-range (p < 0.05). In conclusion, both the hatching type and production system have significant effects on geese behaviors. Fearfulness caused by maternal deprivation in artificial hatching also affected the development of other behavioral traits in the post-hatch period. Geese behaved less fearful in the intensive system, where increased fearfulness in the free-range system is associated with a decrease in preening and wing flapping–feather shaking.

Frequencies of different phenotypes and body parameters of mature indigenous chicken in deciduous rainforest zone of Nigeria

The study was conducted using 800 adult local chickens comprising 355 males and 445 females, which were obtained from 2 major markets in Ado Ekiti, the capital city of Ekiti state, Nigeria. Convenience sampling technique was employed in selecting animals for observation. The birds were individually observed for phenotypic expression of shank colour, feather morphology, feather structure, polydactyly, ptylopody and comb types. The number in each group was expressed as a percentage of the total number of birds. The body size parameters measured include body weight, body girth, body length, shank length, wing length, toe length, keel length and shank diameter. The result revealed that the phenotypic frequencies of birds with dominant genes for feather morphology (FF, Ff), feather structure (NaNa + Nana), poly dactyl (PoPo + Popo) and ptylopods (FshFsh + Fshfsh) were 0.033, 0.037, 0.042 and 0.046 respectively, while that of the recessive gene carriers were 0.967, 0.963, 0.958 and 0.954 respectively. The calculated gene frequencies for frizzled (F), Naked neck (Na), Polydactyly (Po) and ptylopods (Fsh) were 0.035, 0.024, 0.034 and 0.035 respectively. The local chicken showed different plumage coloration with black, brown and pink predominating. The male birds were superior to their female counterparts with significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in all the parameters measured except weight.

ОХОТУСТРОЙСТВО КЕМЕРОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ-КУЗБАССА

Hunting is an important branch of environmental management, ensuring the conservation and rational use of animal objects. The territory of Kuzbass has extensive hunting grounds and a large resource reserve of both flora and fauna. But despite the presence of all types of hunting animals, the region does not become a major center for the development of hunting farming. The purpose of this work is to study publicly available information about the hunting of Kuzbass, to identify the main restrictions that hinder the development of hunting as a type of economic activity. To achieve this goal, a study was conducted of publicly available data presented on the official websites of the Department for the Protection of Animal Safety of the Kemerovo Region, the Kemerovo branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Territorial Geological Information Fund for the Siberian Federal District," the Department of the Forest Complex of Kuzbass, obtained from the official Reports on the State and Environmental Protection of the Kemerovo Region. As a result, areas with the largest area of hunting grounds, publicly accessible and/or fixed were allocated: Novokuznetsk, Tashtagolsky, Tisulsky, Kemerovo, Krapivensky, Mariinsky district. An analysis of the dynamics of the number of main species of hunting animals for 2015-2019 is presented, which shows that the total number of ungulates is stable with a slight trend towards growth, the exception is the number of wild boar (the number of individuals decreased by about 3.4 times from 2016 to 2019); the total number of birds is falling: from 2017 to 2019, the number of individuals decreased 1.4 times, the exception was quail, the number of which increased 2.4 times; the total number of fur animals is stable, but with a decreasing trend; the number of bears in the region is stable. The main factors affecting the number of animals include: anthropogenic load, climate change, fires, unfair accounting and poaching. The main problem in the region is the lack of State funding. Solving existing problems contributes to the development of hunting to a promising type of economic activity.

Forecasting of the number of bird collisions with turbines in the territory of Pre-Azov region wind park using the route census method

The information system has been designed to ensure the analysis of information on the monitoring results of the wind power plant (WPP) territory using the route census method. The database contains 48 fields, reflecting the monitoring results of birds’ behavior in the territory of WPP and processing the initial data: year, month and day of observation, a number of birds of this species, flight altitude, flight speed, direction of flight, coordinates of the bird registration point on the Google-map, average number of birds flying over the territory of the wind park at a given time, coordinates of the points of intersection of the bird flight path with the perimeter of the wind park or observation site, the length of bird flight path over the observation site, and other parameters. The analysis of distribution of birds in the territory of the “Primorsk-1” WPP according to the types of migration (forage, transit, nesting, and ground), direction of flight and altitude characteristics has been carried out. The total number of registered birds was 8927 specimens of 72 species, of which 802 specimens of 11 species were referred to the transit type, 2511 specimens of 32 species – to the forage type, 5614 specimens of 60 species were on the ground (ground type). Most birds (63%) belong to the ground type. 28% of birds were registered in the forage group, 9.0% of birds were flying in transit. The greatest activity of birds is manifested in the autumn migration season, when the transit group accounts for 77% of all annual transit flights. The proportion of birds of forage and ground types, registered in autumn, is 68% and 74%, respectively, of the total number of birds registered in autumn. In the group of ground birds, the overwhelming majority of specimens belong to the period of autumn migration (4141 birds or 74%). The least number was observed in the winter season (317 birds or 5.6%). The author proposes a mathematical model for analyzing birds’ interaction with turbines using the results of monitoring the territory of wind power plants by means of route census method. The model makes it possible to obtain information on the probability of different species of bird collisions with wind wheels and the number of collisions with turbines, depending on the flight characteristics of birds, parameters of wind parks and observation conditions in different seasons. In the risk zone of birds’ interaction with turbines, only specimens of one species, Buteo buteo, were observed. The calculated probability of one bird collision when passing through the wind wheel is 0.19. The anticipated number of bird collisions with turbines during one year of the “Primorsk-1” wind park functioning is in the range of 5.6÷6.7 specimens.

A cross-sectional study of the prevalence factors associated with fluoroquinolone resistant Campylobacter jejuni in broiler flocks in Canada

Campylobacter infections in humans are usually self-limiting; however, antibiotic intervention may be necessary in the case of severe infection. Fluoroquinolones are often the drug of choice for treatment of campylobacteriosis; however, resistance to these drugs can develop rapidly, complicating treatment protocols. Increasing resistance to fluoroquinolones in human infections has coincided with approval of use of fluoroquinolones in animals, therefore, isolation of fluoroquinolone resistant (FQr) Campylobacter in broiler flocks is concerning. This cross-sectional study utilized data collected from 2013-2018 by the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS) on-farm surveillance program to investigate prevalence factors associated with the isolation of FQr C. jejuni from broiler faecal samples. Mixed effects logistic regression models accounting for clustering of flocks within hatcheries, with and without a fixed effect for the presence of flock level tetracycline resistance were used to assess prevalence factors among 536 C. jejuni isolates from 158 flocks. Both models indicated that the type of bird used (Ross versus Cobb or mixed), the use of virginiamycin as a feed additive, the use of traps to control rodent populations in the barn, and the total number of birds in the barn were significant prevalence factors for increased FQr C. jejuni in a flock. In the model where flock level tetracycline resistance was included as a fixed effect, the odds of FQr C. jejuni increased by 16 (95% CI: 3.74, 68), and the magnitude of the effect of each of the identified prevalence factors was larger. Both models indicated that methods of disinfection of water lines between production cycles is important, with the use of chlorine being protective in the model where tetracycline resistance was included as a fixed effect, and the use of hydrogen peroxide being a risk factor in the model where tetracycline resistance was not included as a fixed effect. The use of hot water to wash the barn between production cycles was also a significant protective factor in the model where tetracycline resistance was not included as a fixed effect. These results indicate that biosecurity and sanitation procedures play a role in the dissemination of FQr C. jejuni in broiler flocks. Future analysis should seek to understand the effect of different disinfectant products on the isolation of FQr C. jejuni. Gaining a better understanding of the management of these critical practices may allow for the reduction of this enteric pathogen in broiler flocks in Canada.

Intrapopulation and inter-population variability of color polymorphism of synanthropic blue rock pigeon

The paper deals with intrapopulation and inter-population variability of color polymorphism of synanthropic blue rock pigeons (Columba livia Gm., 1789) living in industrial centers of the Middle Urals. The authors have identified seasonal and inter-annual differences of color morphotypes of synanthropic blue rock pigeons, which are primarily determined by the total number of birds in clusters (flocks). With an increase of birds concentration in a flock, which occurs in winter, the relative proportion of the blue and the aberrant morphotypes increases while the relative proportion of the black-chequer individuals decreases. Density-dependent mechanisms of phenotypic structure formation of synanthropic blue pigeons populations work in conditions of significant increase of bird population in accumulations when different behavioral strategies, especially food, ensuring survival, are vividly manifested. The inter-population variability of color morphs from the geographically close localities of the Middle Ural may be determined by the degree of urbanization of the habitat, the diversity and abundance of forage resources and the technogenic load. The obtained materials may be of interest in general for the study of sustainable color polymorphism of blue rock pigeons synanthropic populations as well as for identifying and justifying inter-population differences of blue rock pigeons populations from geographically remote localities of the Urals.

Associations between animal-based measures at 11 wk and slaughter data at 20 wk in turkey toms (Meleagris gallopavo)

To monitor animal welfare on a commercial scale, systematic collection and evaluation of slaughterhouse data is the most feasible method. However, we need to know whether slaughterhouse data retrospectively and reliably reflect information about the birds' welfare on-farm. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate associations between animal-based welfare measures in flocks of turkey toms at 11 wk of age recorded with the transect walk and slaughter data at 20 wk of age. A total of 20 commercial flocks of turkey toms were visited, where an observer walked the transects in a random order and recorded the total number of birds per transect that were immobile, lame, with visible head, tail, or wing wounds, small, featherless, dirty, sick, terminal, or dead. Slaughterhouse data were provided for each flock. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between on-farm and slaughterhouse measures. Increased prevalence of immobile toms at week 11 resulted in more birds rejected at slaughter owing to leg issues (P = 0.02) and airsacculitis (P < 0.001). More lame birds on-farm were associated with an overall higher rejection rate at slaughter (P < 0.001). Flocks with more featherless birds had significantly more birds being rejected at slaughter owing to skin issues (P = 0.02). More dirty birds at week 11 resulted in more birds being rejected owing to airsacculitis at slaughter (P < 0.001). A higher mortality on-farm was associated with more birds rejected for being too small (P = 0.04). In conclusion, significant associations between animal-based measures of turkey toms as assessed by the transect walk method on-farm at 11 wk and slaughter data at 20 wk were identified.

Apparent breeding success drives long‐term population dynamics of a migratory swan

The ability of a species to adapt to environmental change is ultimately reflected in its vital rates – i.e. survival and reproductive success of individuals. Together, vital rates determine trends in numbers, commonly monitored using counts of species abundance. Rapid changes in abundance can give rise to concern, leading to calls for research into the biological mechanisms underlying variations in demography. For the northwest European population of Bewick's swanCygnus columbianus bewickii, there have been major changes in the population trends recorded during nearly five decades of monitoring (1970–2016). The total number of birds increased to a maximum of ca 30 000 in 1995 and subsequently decreased to about 18 000 individuals in 2010. Such large fluctuation in population numbers is rare in long‐lived species and understanding the drivers of this population change is crucial for species management and conservation. Using the integrated population model (IPM) framework, we analysed three demographic datasets in combination: population counts, capture–mark–resightings (CMR) and the proportion of juveniles in winter over a period of ~50 years. We found higher apparent breeding success in the years when the population had a positive growth rate compared to years with a negative growth rate. Moreover, no consistent trend in adult and yearling survival, and an increasing trend in juvenile survival was found. A transient life‐table response experiment showed that apparent breeding success and adult survival contributed most to the variation in population trend. We explored possible explanatory variables for the different demographic rates and found a significant association between juvenile survival both with the water level in lakes during autumn migration, which affects food accessibility for the swans, and with summer temperatures. Such associations are important for understanding the dynamics of species with fluctuating population sizes, and thus for informing management and conservation decisions.

Fruit and berry plants of forest belts as a factor of species diversity of ornithofauna during the breeding season and autumn migration period

During migration, the availability of food that affects the success of bird movements, the nature and timing of their movements, is critical for many bird species. The relationship between migration routes and the ripening of fruit and berry plants along the route is important. Four types of forest belts were studied: wind-blown maple-ash, latticed maple-linden, dense oak-maple-linden, wind-blown oak-maple-poplar. During the study 43 bird species were identified consuming 9 major fruit and berry plant species: Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa, Crataegus laevigata, Rosa canina, Prunus padus, Sorbus aucuparia, Rhamnus cathartica, Morus nigra, Prunus cerasus. The highest average number of birds feeding in forest belts (4.14 ind./km) was registered in oak-maple-linden dense forest belts, while the lowest number (1.48 ind./km) was recorded in wind-blown maple-ash ones. Maple-linden latticed forest belts characterize the best index data of α-diversity of birds. In the summer-autumn diet, succulent fruit are the most important: Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) – 11.8% of the total number of birds observed to feed on this food resource, Greenfinch (Chloris chloris) – 11.3%, Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) – 9.3%, Song thrush (Turdus philomelos) – 7.3%, Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) – 7.1%, Blackbird (Turdus merula) – 5.4%. 42 species of birds were observed to feed on black elderberry. More than half (51.2%) of the species composition of birds feeding on fruit and berry plants were migratory birds. Consequently, juicy berries are an important food during bird migrations.

Insectivorous Birds in Edge and Interior Habitats of Forest Plantation in Gunung Walat, Sukabumi

Among forest birds, insectivorous birds are known to be most affected by habitat fragmentation. This study aimed at examining insectivorous bird communities in edge and interior habitats of a forest plantation. Monthly observation was conducted from January to June 2010 in Gunung Walat Education Forest, Sukabumi, to record bird community using point count method with a fix radius of 30m for 15 minutes. Observation points were placed in each of edge and interior habitats of broadleaves Schima wallichii and conifer Agathis damara stands. Arthropod sampling was done twice using window traps and yellow panes. A total of 44 bird species of 19 families were identified in the study plots, in which 54% (24 species) were insectivores. A higher bird abundance and richness were recorded in edge habitat. A positive correlation was found between the total number of birds and total number of arthropods. However, the richness of insectivorous species tends to be lower in edge habitats. There were also differences in insectivorous bird community between types of stands, with broadleaves stand had a higher species richness compared to conifer.

Bird-livestock interactions associated with increased cattle fecal shedding of ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli within feedlots in the United States

This research study was conducted to determine if bird depredation in feedlots is associated with the prevalence of ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli in cattle and to determine if removal of invasive bird species could be an effective management strategy to help reduce ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli in cattle within the United States. European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were collected from feedlots within multiple geographic regions within the United States and European starlings within all regions tested positive for ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli, but prevalence differed by region. Total number of birds on feedlots were positively associated with increased cattle fecal shedding of ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli. Targeted control of invasive European starlings reduced bird numbers on feedlots by 70.4%, but decreasing populations of European starlings was not associated with corresponding reductions in bovine fecal prevalence of ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli. These data provide evidence for the role of wild bird depredation in feedlots contributing to fecal shedding of ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli, but a single month of European starling control in feedlots was not sufficient to impact the fecal carriage of this organism in cattle.

Impacts of an invasive plant on bird communities differ along a habitat gradient

Plants invasions may have important impacts on populations of the native species including birds. We can expect that these impacts will vary in respect to the ecological context where the species live. Consequences of such a variation are, however, still poorly understood. For this purpose, we studied the responses of bird communities to the invasion of Sosnowsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi) along a gradient from open to forest habitats in relation to the ecological traits of bird species. The research was conducted in southern Poland in spring 2019. Birds were counted twice on 52 site pairs (control and Heracleum). As expected, the invader had generally negative impact on the total number of birds, their species richness and abundance of all bird guilds except the birds living in the ecotone zone. However, the magnitude of these impacts significantly differed along the habitat gradient: the response of ground dwellers and farmland birds to the invasion was more negative towards open habitats, while the opposite pattern, i.e. a more negative response towards forest habitats, was observed in birds associated with bushes. Individual bird species, however, sometimes differed in the direction and severity of the response to the invasion from the guild to which they belonged. Taken together, our results indicate that the impact of Sosnowsky’s hogweed depended on habitats preferred by individual species and whether this alien changed their habitat. This finding should be taken into account when designing management plans for the affected species.

Forest birds of the right-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine

Forest biogeocenosis is a necessary environment for the normal existence of many species of wild animals, including birds. Recently, however, a gradual decrease in their numbers is observed in most forest areas of the Forest-Steppe zone. This indicator is one of the most important criteria for estimation of the general condition of this or that ecosystem. In this regard, specialists-zoologists, ornithologists, etc. pay great attention to the study of this issue (Koval' N.F. 1982). Currently, there is a quite extensive and often conflicting material regarding the number of birds. The most fundamental is the book by D. Lack, “The number of animals and its regulation in nature” (1957), which shows the influence of the food supply, the number of nesting places, “shelters”, and enemies on the reproductive ability, survival and general dynamics of the number of many bird species. Determining the breeding intensity of specific species populations of bird, we proposed to use the so-called productivity coefficient, which allows us to compare both the degree of biomass stability over the breeding period during a number of years and its geographical differences. The total number of birds on nesting can be different in various parts of the range under the influence of environmental conditions. The number of birds nesting on the ground and in the underwood has recently decreased significantly due to the large recreational burden of forest cenoses. Consideration of the dynamics of the number of daytime predatory birds and owls is of special attention. Their numbers have recently stabilized, although it continues to decline in some regions according to the available literary data. Ornithologists consider this mainly as a consequence of environmental pollution, killing of birds by humans, destruction of their habitats. The number of animal populations, for example, can vary significantly during the year or on average over the years. It is determined by the breeding rate and mortality of individuals. The breeding rate of birds is directly dependent on the size of egg laying, the success of eggs brooding and the percentage of flying out of viable young animals, which in total determines the success of breeding.

The role of farm business type on biosecurity practices in West Java broiler farms

Biosecurity is important to prevent introduction and spread of infectious diseases, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). HPAI is currently endemic in Indonesia and it has triggered the adoption of a biosecurity policy. Although there is anecdotal evidence about the level of biosecurity on Indonesian broiler farms, formal evidence is lacking, as well as knowledge about determinants of low biosecurity levels. This paper has two main objectives: 1) to assess the levels of biosecurity measures across different farm business types, and (2) to analyze the determining factors, with a special reference to farm business type, for the level of biosecurity and the availability of biosecurity infrastructure in the West Java poultry farms. A multi-stage sampling procedure was applied to collect data from approximately 400 broiler farmers in four districts in West Java province, namely Ciamis, Tasikmalaya, Subang and Sukabumi. Data were collected through farmer interviews and direct observation at the farms. The Biosecurity Control Score (BCS), consisting of 16 practice indicators, and the Farm Infrastructures for Biosecurity (FIB) list consisting of 16 building or physical set-ups as biosecurity facilities were used to assess the level of biosecurity. Determinants of biosecurity measures were analyzed via tobit regression analysis. The results show that the BCS was associated with the total number of birds per cycle, and risk perception (P < 0.05). The BCS was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the farm business types ‘independent farming’, ‘price contract farming’ and ‘company’ compared to the ‘makloon contract farming’ business type (farming for a fee). Physical set-ups as farm infrastructure for biosecurity (FIB) were associated with the total number of birds per cycle, and with risk perception (P < 0.05). FIB was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the farm business types ‘independent farming’, ‘price contract farming’ and ‘company’ compared to makloon contract farming. The results of this study suggest that business types play a significant role in determining biosecurity practices; a makloon contract farm (farming for a fee) tends to have a lower level of biosecurity than other business types due to lack of incentives. Consequently, in developing incentives for improved biosecurity measures. policymakers should encourage farm registration, and at the same time develop incentives that support the independent and price contract farming.

THE EFFECT OF STOCKING DENSITY ON EGG PRODUCTION, PRESERVATION AND EFFICIENCY OF USING LAYING HENS IN BATTERY CAGES

The influence of different floor areas in cages on the productivity, safety and economic performance of laying hens was evaluated. The study was carried out on chickens of the Ukrainian breed Birkivska barvysta of the egg production direction, the gene pool of which is preserved in the State Poultry Research Station of NAAS. The total number of birds in the experiment was 568 laying hens.The experiment was carried out using cages with an area of 90 × 90 cm when placing in them 7, 8, 9 and 10 birds, which corresponded to a stocking density of 1157.1, 1012.5, 900 and 810 cm2 per hen. The experiment lasted 33 weeks, starting at 17 weeks of age. The weight of the birds was determined by individual weighing at the beginning and the end of the experiment. Accounting for egg production, feed costs and mortality was carried out daily, the weight of eggs was determined at the age of 30 weeks by weighing the daily harvest in the context of groups. It has been established that stocking density significantly affects the main zootechnical and economic indicators of keeping laying hens. A decrease in the cage area to 810 cm2 per hen due to an increase in the number of birds in it led to a significant decrease in egg production, final live weight and safety, as well as to a deterioration in feed conversion (P&lt;0.05). At the same time, the change in stocking density did not have a particular effect on egg weight. The obtained results show that the optimal placement for cages of this type is the placement of 7-8 layers in them at a stocking density of 1000-1150 cm2 per hen and a feeder lengthof 11-12.5 cm.Under such conditions, due to higher egg production by 21-27 pieces, safety by 5.5-6.2% and lower feed costs for 10 eggs, by 0.46-0.56 kg from one layer received 53.5-69 UAH additional gains compared to 810 cm2 per hen with a 9 cm feeder length.Placing birds of 10 heads in a cage, although it allows increasing its number in the poultry house by 43%, as a result of an excessive reduction in the area of feeding and drinking, harms its productive and economic indicators. That is, the increase in space for the birds - is a management tool that can be used to optimize the performance of egg production, preservation and consumption of feed in laying hens.

МІГРАЦІЙНІ СКУПЧЕННЯ ВОДОПЛАВНИХ І НАВКОЛОВОДНИХПТАХІВ У ЦЕНТРАЛЬНІЙ ЧАСТИНІ КРЕМЕНЧУЦЬКОГО ВОДОСХОВИЩА В ОСІННІ ПЕРІОДИ 2015–2017 РР.

Introduction. Kremenchuk Reservoir plays an important part in maintaining populations of waterfowl and waterbirds in the migration period. They stop to rest and feed here. The upper part of the Reservoir is promising for inclusion in the Ramsar list. A significant part of this area is occupied by the Lypivsky Ornithological Reserve with a total area of 4631 hectares. We have been monitoring waterfowl and waterbirds around the reserve for over 20 years. The purpose of the study is to establish the species composition and relative number of waterfowl and waterbirds in the central part of the Kremenchuk Reservoir, to study their seasonal and long-term dynamics. Methods. The records cover the central part of the Kremenchuk Reservoir: along the right bank - within the city of Cherkasy, along the left one - from the village Kedyna Hora to the village of Blagodatne (former village of Chapaiivka) (Zolotonosha district of Cherkasy region), as well as along the dam that crosses the Reservoir. The study was conducted by the point count method from the shore and the dam. 17 records were conducted during autumn periods of 2015-2017. Results. In total for three years, we have found 44 species belonging to 8 series. The core of the avifauna consisted of Mallard (Anas plathyrhynchos), Coot (Fulica atra), the Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) and Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) making 82.3% - 86.1% of the total number of birds in different years. The Shannon species diversity index in 2015 were 1 . 50-2 . 61 , in 2016 – 1 . 17-1 . 97 , in 2017 – 1 . 37-2 . 72 . The maximum number of birds stopping to rest and feed during a season in the central part of the Kremenchuk Reservoir was from about 13,600 up to about 29,500 birds in different years. During 2015-2017, among the mass species for three ones (Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus), the Tufted Duck and the Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)), there was the highest number for more than 20 years of the research. 6 species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine were identified. Among them, the studied area plays a significant role in maintaining the populations of the Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) and White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla). Originality. The n umber and bird diversity of the ornithocomplex due to climate change has been described. The number of some numerous species is increasing compared to previous years . Conclusion. The results of the research confirm the importance of the Lypivsky Ornithological Reserve, where more birds than in the surrounding areas, are concentrated. Such preferences are associated with more attractive conditions for feeding and resting of mass species.

Autumn Migration of the Wood Pigeon, Columba palumbus, at Eastern Part of the Polish Baltic Coast

Abstract The Wood Pigeon, Columba palumbus, is a common diurnal migrant across most of the Europe. The visual observations were carried out during autumn work of the Operation Baltic ringing stations, mainly at Mierzeja Wiślana (54°21’N, 19°19’E) parallely to the ringing of birds. Observations of passing birds were performed 15 minutes per every hour from sunrise to sunset. The autumn observation period was long enough to cover whole pigeons migration at the southern coast of Baltic (14 Aug. – 11 Nov.). Altogether 119,019 Wood Pigeons were observed within 20 seasons of observations. The goals of this work is (1) to describe the course of the Wood Pigeon autumn migration at the Polish Baltic coast as to numbers in long-term aspect and the seasonality of migration, (2) to propose further development in the study on wave structure of the bird passage. The main analysis of this work-description of the seasonal dynamics of migration - was carried out with modified and widened method used for that kind of analysis in earlier publications. In the present paper the wave structure is described by the estimated border days between supposed waves taking under consideration different properties of the passage dynamics. Here are used three groups of parameters: (1) total numbers of birds observed daily during several years, inter-year variability (as SD between year number values), and the coefficient of variation (V), (2) number of migration peaks that occurred in that date within years of the study (there were used two classes of peaks – High Peaks and Peaks), (3) numbers of birds passing during recognized peak days. All estimations were done independently of others and only finally summarized using common ranking scheme. Such step by step procedure make estimation more and more reliable. Very high agreement between estimations based on three groups of parameters suggests strongly that the proposed estimation procedure is effective enough.

Identifying welfare issues in turkey hen and tom flocks applying the transect walk method

In commercial conditions turkey tom and hen flocks are reared under similar housing and management conditions. However, the 2 sexes differ with regard to behavioral and physiological characteristics, and are slaughtered at different ages, resulting in different growth patterns. The rearing environment and management likely have similar effects on the welfare of both sexes reared in 1 barn, as usual in commercial flocks, but this has not previously been studied. The main aim of current study was to identify on-farm health and welfare issues of commercially reared hen and tom turkeys at 11 wk of age using the transect walk method. The study was conducted between November 2017 and March 2018 in 20 commercial turkey flocks on 16 different farms in the eastern part of Norway. On each farm, 1 barn, divided into tom and hen area, was evaluated using transect walk method. An observer walked the transects in random order and recorded the total number of birds per transect that were immobile; lame, with visible head, tail, or wing wounds; small; featherless; dirty; sick; terminal or dead. To analyze the data, we applied ANOVA and Spearman correlations in SAS software (v 9.3). The most commonly observed welfare indicators across sexes were dirty and featherless birds, and birds with tail and wing wounds. Across sexes, poor litter quality resulted in more head wounds (P < 0.05). Toms had significantly more tail wounds (P < 0.001), there were more sick birds (P < 0.01) and more terminal birds (P < 0.01) compared to hens at the same age. Several of the welfare indicators were positively correlated between the sexes, including lame, head, wing- and tail-wounded, dirty, and dead birds, suggesting similar underlying environmental causes affecting animal welfare.