Meleagris Gallopavo Research Articles

The role of human hunters and natural predators in shaping the selection of behavioural types in male wild turkeys.

The expression of behaviour can vary both among (i.e. behavioural types (BTs)) and within individuals (i.e. plasticity), and investigating causes and consequences of variation has garnered significant attention. Conversely, studies quantifying harvest-induced selection (HIS) on behavioural traits have received significantly less attention, and work investigating HIS and natural selection simultaneously is rare. We studied sources of variation in three movement traits that represented risk-taking and one trait that represented exploration in male eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris). We used data from 109 males in two hunted populations located in Georgia and South Carolina, USA. We assessed how both hunters and natural predators simultaneously influenced the selection of male turkey BTs. We found significant among-individual variation in all movement traits and adjustments in risk-taking and exploration relative to whether hunting was occurring. We observed that predators selected against similar BTs across both populations, whereas hunters selected for different BTs across populations. We also demonstrated that significant HIS acts on risk-taking behaviours in both populations, which could render wild turkeys more difficult to harvest if these traits are indeed heritable.

Trichomonad Disease in Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo): Pathology and Molecular Characterization of Histomonas, Tetratrichomonas, Tritrichomonas, and Simplicimonas spp.

The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a geographically widespread, popular game bird and conservation icon in North America. Following successful reestablishment in parts of the US and Canada, regional declines have fueled population health concerns; therefore, understanding mortality causes and spatiotemporal patterns of disease is important to uncover potential ongoing and future health risks. Histomonosis, caused by the trichomonad Histomonas meleagridis, is a well-established and potentially fatal disease in Wild Turkeys; however, its prevalence and potential population health impacts remain poorly understood. Moreover, molecular tools recently have allowed for the detection of additional trichomonads that similarly can cause fatal disease in Wild Turkeys. We describe and compare disease due to H. meleagridis with that of Tetratrichomonas gallinarum, Tritrichomonas sp., and Simplicimonas sp. in Wild Turkeys in the southeastern US. Among 857 Wild Turkeys evaluated postmortem from 2002 to 2023, 34 (4.0%) were diagnosed with trichomonad disease, often assumed to be histomonosis prior to molecular testing. However, among 25 debilitating to fatal trichomonad disease cases for which etiologies were confirmed by PCR from 2015 to 2023, H. meleagridis was detected in 16/25 (64.0%), T. gallinarum in 6/25 (24.0%), Tritrichomonas sp. in 2/25 (8.0%) and Simplicimonas sp. in 1/25 (4.0%). These turkeys had similar clinical manifestations, and although lesion patterns varied to some extent, liver and/or intestinal tract was most commonly affected. Coinfections were common among all turkeys with trichomonad disease from 2015 to 2023 (21/25, 84.0%) and included viruses (lymphoproliferative disease virus, avian poxvirus), bacteria (Streptococcus gallolyticus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli), and other protozoa (Sarcocystis sp., Haemoproteus sp.). Our results highlight the importance of molecular diagnostic testing in determining etiologies of trichomonad disease in Wild Turkeys. Further evaluation of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of trichomonad disease and its varied etiologies in Wild Turkeys and other birds is warranted to better understand risk factors and potential health impacts.

Sequencing and characterization of complete mitogenome DNA of worldwide turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) populations

The history of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) domestication can be traced back to the period between 700 and 200 BC in Mexico. This process involved multiple contributors and resulted in the development of modern local turkey breeds. This research investigates the complete mitochondrial diversity across a diverse range of local turkeys. Seventy-three turkeys were sampled from various populations, including autochthonous Italian breeds, an American breed (Narragansett), as well as wild turkeys from the USA and Mexico. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was employed as a powerful tool for biodiversity and breed phylogeny investigation. An analysis of the entire mtDNA was conducted to identify breed-specific unique traits, mitochondrial-specific characteristics, and the phylogenetic relationship among turkey populations. A total of 44 polymorphic sites were identified. Brianzolo and Narragansett birds were characterized as genetically homogeneous populations. Thirty-two different haplotypes were identified when our samples were compared with mtDNA D-loop of 96 online available turkeys from various geographical countries. H1 and H2, differing for one mutation, were the most abundant, comprising 132 of the 185 sequences. H1 included samples coming from every region, while H2 was predominantly characterized by Italian samples. USA and Mexican samples appear to be more variable in their mtDNA than the other populations.

Differential Hepatic Expression of miRNA in Response to Aflatoxin B1 Challenge in Domestic and Wild Turkeys

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a major foodborne mycotoxin that poses a significant economic risk to poultry due to a greater degree of susceptibility compared to other agricultural species. Domesticated turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are especially sensitive to AFB1; however, wild turkeys (M. g. silvestris) are more resistant. A lack of functional isoforms of hepatic glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), an enzyme that plays a role in the detoxification of aflatoxin, is suspected as the reason for the increased sensitivity. Previous studies comparing the gene expression of domesticated and wild turkeys exposed to AFB1 identified hepatic genes responding differentially to AFB1, but could not fully explain the difference in response. The current study examined differences in the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the livers of wild and domesticated turkeys fed dietary AFB1 (320 μg/kg in feed). Short-read RNA sequencing and expression analysis examined both domesticated and wild turkeys exposed to AFB1 compared to controls. A total of 25 miRNAs was identified as being significantly differentially expressed (DEM) in pairwise comparisons. The majority of these have mammalian orthologs with known dysregulation in liver disease. The largest number of DEMs occurred between controls, suggesting an underlying difference in liver potential. Sequences of the DEMs were used to identify potential miRNA binding sites in target genes, resulting in an average of 4302 predicted target sites per DEM. These DEMs and gene targets provide hypotheses for future investigations into the role of miRNAs in AFB1 resistance.

An individual‐based model trained on multiple data sources estimates population connectivity and facilitates aggregation of harvest management units

Abstract Management boundaries are often delimited by political and social factors, whereas animal movements are affected by ecological and geophysical constraints. Thus, understanding connectivity among distinct management units is of considerable importance, particularly for harvested species, where quotas set in ignorance of connectivity may fail to meet management goals. We constructed an individual‐based model (IBM) to better understand wild turkey movements at large scales, benefiting from multiple data sources that are often available for harvested species. We built an IBM from spring seasonal movements of wild turkey, using data from ringed, radio‐, and GPS‐marked turkeys captured in Maine, USA. Our IBM accommodated variation in individual turkey response to landscape connectivity metrics and identified emergent migratory connectivity dynamics among harvest management regions. We calculated a low degree of connectivity among wildlife management districts (WMD) which, in combination with the substantial number of boundary crossings observed, indicated a more diffuse distribution of turkeys among WMDs. Synthesis and applications: Estimates of turkeys moving between districts provided a clear delineation of where immigration was strongest, identifying which WMDs should be managed as singular population units. This approach has widespread utility for any species or system where harvest management decisions are made at finer spatial scales than the movement dynamics affecting population processes.

A Comparison of White and Yellow Seminal Plasma Phosphoproteomes Obtained from Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) Semen.

Seminal plasma is rich in proteins originating from various male reproductive organs. The phosphorylation of these proteins can significantly impact sperm motility, capacitation, and acrosome reaction. Phosphoproteomics identifies, catalogues, and characterizes phosphorylated proteins. The phosphoproteomic profiling of seminal plasma offers valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms that influence semen quality and male fertility. Thus, the aim of this study was a phosphoproteomic analysis of white and yellow turkey seminal plasma. The experimental material consisted of 100 ejaculates from BIG-6 turkeys between 39 and 42 weeks of age. The collected white and yellow turkey seminal plasmas were analyzed for total protein content; the activity of selected enzymes, i.e., alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT); and the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Phosphoproteins were isolated from white and yellow seminal fluids, and the resulting protein fractions were separated by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Phosphorylated residues were immunodetected, and the isolated phosphoproteins were identified (nano LC-MS/MS). Yellow seminal plasmas were characterized by higher levels of total protein, GSH, and MDA, as well as higher levels of ALP, ACP, and GPx activity. There were no significant differences in the activity of SOD and CAT. A total of 113 phosphoproteins were identified in turkey seminal fluids. The functional analysis demonstrated that these phosphoproteins were mainly involved in oocyte fertilization, organization and metabolism of the actin cytoskeleton, amplification of the intracellular signal transduction pathway, general regulation of transport, vesicular transport, proteome composition of individual cellular compartments, and the organization and localization of selected cellular components and macromolecules. Increased phosphorylation of the fractions containing proteins encoded by SPARC, PPIB, TRFE, QSOX1, PRDX1, PRDX6, and FASN genes in white plasmas and the proteins encoded by CKB, ORM2, APOA1, SSC5D, RAP1B, CDC42, FTH, and TTH genes in yellow plasmas was observed based on differences in the optical density of selected bands. The obtained results indicate that the phosphorylation profiles of turkey seminal plasma proteins vary depending on the type of ejaculate.

Population response of eastern wild turkey to removal of wild pigs

AbstractThere is insufficient understanding of interspecific interactions with the eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) and wild pigs (Sus scrofa). Wild pigs compete with wild turkeys and predate nests and adults; however, population‐level effects on wild turkeys are not clear. Using cameras, we assessed responses of wild turkey populations to wild pig removal in central Alabama, USA, from 2018–2021. We compared wild turkey relative abundance and occupancy on 3 large‐scale pig‐removal treatment sites (3,407–5,531 ha) relative to a control site (2,510 ha) during 1 pre‐treatment year and 2 post‐treatment years, with analyses including a covariate expressing the cumulative number of pigs removed from each site standardized by the initial pig abundance on the site. We removed 1,851 wild pigs from the 3 treatment sites over 22 months. Based on N‐mixture modeling, when the number of pigs removed was equal to our baseline population estimates (i.e., 100% removal relative to initial population), there were 1.50 (95% CL = 1.01–2.23) times as many wild turkeys, and detection of wild turkeys was 2.01 (95% CL = 1.49–2.70) times as likely. Additionally, poults were 3.49 (95% CL = 1.12–10.89) times as likely to occupy an area when the number of pigs removed was equal to our baseline population estimates compared with poult occupancy at baseline pig abundance. Our data suggests that reduction of wild pig populations may lead to a localized increase in populations of wild turkeys.

Urban Green Infrastructure Connectivity: The Role of Private Semi-Natural Areas

Green spaces and blue spaces in cities provide a wealth of benefits to the urban social–ecological system. Unfortunately, urban development fragments natural habitats, reducing connectivity and biodiversity. Urban green–blue infrastructure (UGI) networks can mitigate these effects by providing ecological corridors that enhance habitat connectivity. This study examined UGI connectivity for two indicator species in a rapidly developing city in the southern United States. We mapped and analyzed UGI at a high resolution (0.6 m) across the entire city, with a focus on semi-natural areas in private land and residential neighborhoods. Integrating graph theory and a gravity model, we assessed structural UGI networks and ranked them based on their ability to support functional connectivity. Most of the potential habitat corridors we mapped in this project traversed private lands, including 58% of the priority habitat for the Golden-cheeked Warbler and 69% of the priority habitat for the Rio Grande Wild Turkey. Riparian zones and other areas with dense tree cover were critical linkages in these habitat corridors. Our findings illustrate the important role that private semi-natural areas play in UGI, habitat connectivity, and essential ecosystem services.

Influence of a Modified Drinking System and Barn Climate on the Behavior of Fattening Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

Agonistic behavior is a problem of animal welfare in commercial turkey fattening. In this study, possible influences of the barn layout and the climate of the barn on the behavior of fattening turkeys on a commercial farm were investigated. The study was conducted on a turkey farm with two comparable barns. A modified ventilation system was installed in the trial barn to improve the removal of NH3 and CO2. The drinkers were rearranged to increase the animals’ free floor area. In each barn, 3600 male turkeys (B.U.T. 6) were housed. Videos were recorded continuously from housing until removal for three consecutive fattening periods. NH3 and CO2 values were recorded. Turkeys showed increased activity (p < 0.001) and comfort behavior in the trial barn during late fattening (p = 0.002). Agonistic behavior increased during late fattening, particularly around the drinkers (p < 0.001). NH3 levels differed at the beginning of fattening. The study shows that extending the resting area contributes to increased activity and comfort behavior. The rearrangement of drinkers showed no positive effects on agonistic behavior, as the distance between individual drinkers was too small. Due to behavioral differences being most evident in late fattening, no conclusions can be drawn concerning the influence of CO2 and NH3.

Histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations on pyloric tonsil in Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

The structural patterns of pyloric tonsil in turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) were investigated in this study. Turkeys, less resistant to disease than chickens, are a crucial source of protein with low cholesterol levels and a high protein/calorie ratio. Pyloric tonsil, involved in the chicken defense barrier, is a component of GALT. To evaluate the specific region, adult turkeys were taken from slaughterhouses. Crossman's modified triple staining demonstrated the general histological structure, PAS revealed the density of goblet cells synthesizing mucus, and Safranin O showed the capsule around the follicles. The width of lymphoid follicles in the pyloric tonsil (204.0±22.33) differed significantly from that of the middle part of the duodenum (111.7±4.741). It was noticed that the specific area harbors T cells, B cells, and follicular dendritic cells. Interfollicular regions were infiltrated with CD3+T cells, but the CD268+B cells occupied primarily germinal centers. However, it was noticed that T cells were present in germinal centers and some B cells in the interfollicular region. Anti-Vimentin antibody revealed follicular dendritic cells in the pyloric zone. It was noted that the epithelial layer of the pyloric tonsil is devoid of CK18-positive cells. Findings of the semi-thin section indicated that some columnar epithelial cells were stained differently in the transition zone (lymphoepithelium). To sum up, a pyloric region in turkeys is structurally dissimilar to pyloric tonsils detected in chicken, chukar partridge, and duck. More research is needed to reveal the effect of pyloric tonsil on the alimentary tract in poultry in terms of defense mechanisms.

Health Assessment of Adult Male Eastern Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) from Western Kentucky, USA.

Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are an important game species throughout the geographic range. Populations throughout multiple regions of the US have been declining, including in Kentucky, US, raising concerns among managers and resource users. To better understand the overall population health, we performed postmortem examinations and targeted pathogen, mineral, and toxicant testing on 36 adult male, apparently healthy, wild turkeys that were hunter harvested in western Kentucky during April 2018. We found that birds were in fair to good nutritional condition with no significant gross or microscopic lesions. Ticks (Amblyomma spp.) and lice (three species) were present on 94 and 31% of birds, respectively. We commonly detected intestinal nematodes and cestodes and found coccidian oocysts in 39% and capillarid eggs in 6% of birds. The prevalences of lymphoproliferative disease virus and reticuloendotheliosis virus were 39 and 11%, respectively. Spleen samples tested with PCR were positive for Borrelia burgdorferi, Haemoproteus sp., and Leucocytozoon sp. in 11, 83, and 3%, respectively. Based on a subjective histologic assessment of testis tissues, most birds had widespread and abundant sperm present. Mineral analysis and broad toxicant screening on liver samples from 32 turkeys were unremarkable. Further work is needed to assess potential population risk factors and to determine individual- and population-level impacts of pathogens on adults and poults.

A comprehensive survey on the present scenario and future production potentials of small-scale turkey farming in Bangladesh

Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is one of the potential species of specialized fowls, quite popular in western countries, has recently been introduced in Bangladesh, and gained considerable attention from small-scale poultry farmers. The purpose of this study was to assess the current scenario, production systems and potentialities of turkey farming in Bangladesh. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire from 100 turkey farmers residing in rural areas in different districts of Bangladesh. The problems and prospects of turkey rearing in the selected areas were quantified and assessed. No illiterate farmers were involved in turkey farming and 97% of the farmers have small household with 3.67 members per family. Most of the farmers (60%) were medium income size with income range BDT 250001 to 400000 year. Most of the farmers (57%) reared turkey for meat purpose whereas the average turkey population per household was 43.20 birds. About 24% of farmers reared turkey in confinement system, and 76% of farmers reared in semi-intensive management system and 68% of farmers had no related training on turkey farming. All farmers use ready broiler/layer feed due to the unavailability of turkey feed that was bought from local market. Grazing was practiced to supply vegetative plants as diet for turkeys. Most of the farmers (86%) vaccinate turkey regularly, and among them 96% complained about vaccine unavailability. Average mortality was recorded at around 6.2%. All the farmers follow a natural breeding system for reproduction. The farmers mentioned that turkey farming is decreasing day by day due to unskilled farmers, lack of turkey ready feed, unavailability of vaccines and lack of marketing facilities. Collectively, it can be inferred that the introduction of ready-made turkey feed, ensuring vaccination, providing financial and technical assistance and offering training to small-scale turkey farmers are the pivotal factors in boosting small-scale turkey farming in Bangladesh. This, in turn, may have the potential to increase household income and generate employment opportunities for youth, rural women, and small-scale marginal farmers. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53 (2): 40-54, 2024

Pathological and phylogenetic characterization of a rare fowl adenovirus (FAdV-8b) associated with inclusion body hepatitis in naturally infected Meleagris gallopavo.

Adenoviruses are a diverse group of viruses that can cause a variety of diseases in poultry, including respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. In turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), adenoviruses commonly cause hemorrhagic enteritis and, rarely, inclusion body hepatitis. In this study, we investigated fowl adenoviruses (FAdVs) circulating in turkeys in Egypt. Following clinical examination of 500 birds, a portion of the hexon gene was amplified from four out of 50 samples from diseased birds (8%), and one amplicon that produced a strong band was selected for sequencing. Molecular and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the virus in that sample belonged to serotype FAdV-8b. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of prepared tissue sections were performed to confirm the pathological findings. Diseased birds exhibited ruffled feathers, low body weight, a crouching posture, and diarrhea. Gross examination revealed petechial hemorrhage on the spleen, swollen pale liver, and congested intestine. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of eosinophilic and basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies, nuclear pyknosis, and apoptotic bodies in the liver, congestion, hemorrhage, and fibrosis in the lungs, and desquamation of enterocytes. The presence of viral antigens in the liver, lungs, and intestine was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the characterization of an outbreak of inclusion body hepatitis in turkeys (hybrid converter breeds) due to FAdV-8b in Egypt. This finding raises an epidemiological alarm, necessitating further studies, including full-genome sequencing, to trace the virus's origin and genetic diversity.

Pathological and phylogenetic characteristics of fowl AOAV-1 and H5 isolated from naturally infected Meleagris Gallopavo

BackgroundIn this study, we investigated the prevalence of respiratory viruses in four Hybrid Converter Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) farms in Egypt. The infected birds displayed severe respiratory signs, accompanied by high mortality rates, suggesting viral infections. Five representative samples from each farm were pooled and tested for H5 & H9 subtypes of avian influenza viruses (AIVs), Avian Orthoavulavirus-1 (AOAV-1), and turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT) using real-time RT-PCR and conventional RT-PCR. Representative tissue samples from positive cases were subjected to histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC).ResultsThe PCR techniques confirmed the presence of AOAV-1 and H5 AIV genes, while none of the tested samples were positive for H9 or TRT. Microscopic examination of tissue samples revealed congestion and hemorrhage in the lungs, liver, and intestines with leukocytic infiltration. IHC revealed viral antigens in the lungs, liver, and intestines. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that H5 HA belonged to 2.3.4.4b H5 sublineage and AOAV-1 belonged to VII 1.1 genotype.ConclusionsThe study highlights the need for proper monitoring of hybrid converter breeds for viral diseases, and the importance of vaccination programs to prevent unnecessary losses. To our knowledge, this is the first study that reports the isolation of AOAV-1 and H5Nx viruses from Hybrid Converter Turkeys in Egypt.

Genetic background of walking ability and its relationship with leg defects, mortality, and performance traits in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

This study aimed to explore the genetic basis of walking ability and potentially related performance traits in turkey purebred populations. Phenotypic, pedigree, and genomic datasets from 2 turkey lines hatched between 2010 and 2023 were included in the study. Walking ability data, defined based on a scoring system ranging from 1 (worst) to 6 (best), were collected on 192,019 animals of a female line and 235,461 animals of a male line. Genomic information was obtained for 46,427 turkeys (22,302 from a female line and 24,125 from a male line) using a 65K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel. Variance components and heritability for walking ability were estimated. Furthermore, genetic and phenotypic correlations among walking ability, mortality and disorders, and performance traits were calculated. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was also conducted to identify SNPs associated with walking ability. Walking ability is moderately heritable (0.23 ± 0.01) in both turkey lines. The genetic correlations between walking ability and the other evaluated traits ranged from -0.02 to -0.78, with leg defects exhibiting the strongest negative correlation with walking ability. In the female line, 31 SNPs were associated with walking ability and overlapped with 116 genes. These positional genes are linked to 6 gene ontology (GO) terms. Notably, genes such as CSRP2, DDX1, RHBDL1, SEZ6L, and CTSK are involved in growth, development, locomotion, and bone disorders. GO terms, including fibronectin binding (GO:0001968), peptide cross-linking (GO:0018149), and catabolic process (GO:0009057), are directly linked with mobility. In the male line, 66 markers associated with walking ability were identified and overlapped with 281 genes. These genes are linked to 12 GO terms. Genes such as RB1CC1, TNNI1, MSTN, FN1, SIK3, PADI2, ERBB4, B3GNT2, and BACE1 are associated with cell growth, myostatin development, and disorders. GO terms in the male line are predominantly related to lipid metabolism. In conclusion, walking ability is moderately heritable in both populations. Furthermore, walking ability can be enhanced through targeted genetic selection, emphasizing its relevance to both animal welfare and productivity.

First molecular insights into gastrointestinal helminths of domestic birds in the Caspian Sea Littoral of Iran with an emphasis on the One Health concern

The current investigation was carried out during the period from July 2022 to March 2023, aiming to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in domestic birds collected from traditional markets in Guilan province. One hundred forty-eight domestic birds, including chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), greylag geese (Anser anser), and domestic turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus) were examined. Totally, 42.56% of the investigated birds were positive for helminthic parasites. Morphological analysis revealed varying infection rates among birds: Echinostoma revolutum (5.40%), Hypoderaeum conoideum (2.02%), Cloacotaenia megalops (0.67%), Hymenolepididae family (4.05%), Ascaridia galli (16.89%), and Heterakis gallinarum (4.72%). The investigation involved molecular analysis of the 18S and ITS1 + 5.8S + ITS2 rRNA gene regions. The findings indicated that the 18S region of nematode isolates exhibited a similarity of 92 to 100% with sequences in the GenBank, whereas trematode and cestode isolates showed a gene similarity ranging from 88 to 99%. The ITS regions of nematode, trematode, and cestode isolates exhibited genetic similarities ranging from 87 to 100%, 73–99%, and 75–99%, respectively. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis confirmed the categorization of the identified species within the Ascaridiidae, Heterakidae, Hymenolepididae, and Echinostomatidae families, indicating their close affinity with previously documented species. Implementing precise control measures such as consistent monitoring, adequate sanitation protocols, and administering anthelmintic treatments is crucial for effectively managing parasitic infections in free-range and backyard poultry farms. Additionally, conducting further surveys is advisable to assess the impact of these parasites on the health and productivity of poultry in the investigated area.

Sequential extraction and characterization of gelatin from turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) feet

Sequential extraction and characterization of gelatin from turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) feet

Assessing wild turkey productivity before and after a 14-day delay in the start date of the spring hunting season in Tennessee.

Ten state wildlife management agencies in the United States, including six within the Southeast, have delayed their spring wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) hunting seasons since 2017 by five or more days to address concerns related to the potential effects of hunting on wild turkey seasonal productivity. One hypothesis posits that if the spring hunting season is too early, there may be insufficient time for males to breed hens before being harvested, thus leading to reduced seasonal productivity. We conducted an experiment to determine whether delaying the wild turkey hunting season by 2 weeks in south-middle Tennessee would affect various reproductive rates. In 2021 and 2022, the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission experimentally delayed the spring hunting season to open 14 days later than the traditional date (the Saturday closest to 1 April) in Giles, Lawrence, and Wayne counties. We monitored reproductive rates from 2017 to 2022 in these three counties as well as two adjacent counties, Bedford and Maury, that were not delayed. We used a Before-After-Control-Impact design to analyze the proportion of hens nesting, clutch size, hatchability, nest success, poult survival and hen survival with linear mixed-effect models and AIC model selection to detect relationships between the 14-day delay and reproductive parameters. We detected no relationship (p > .05) between the 14-day delay and any individual reproductive parameter. In addition, recruitment (hen poults per hen that survived until the next breeding season) was very low (<0.5) and did not increase because of the 14-day delay. The traditional Tennessee start date had been in place since 1986 while the turkey harvest increased markedly until about 2006 and more recently stabilized. Our data indicate that moving the start of the hunting season from a period just prior to peak nest initiation to 2 weeks later, to coincide with a period just prior to peak nest incubation initiation, resulted in no change to productivity or populations in wild turkey flocks in south-middle Tennessee.

Spatial roost networks and resource selection of female wild turkeys.

Wildlife demography is influenced by behavioural decisions, with sleep being a crucial avian behaviour. Avian species use roost sites to minimize thermoregulation costs, predation risk and enhance foraging efficiency. Sleep locations are often reused, forming networks within the home range. Our study, focusing on female eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) during the reproductive season, used social network analysis to quantify both roost site selection and network structure. We identified roost networks which were composed of a small percentage of hub roost sites connecting satellite roosts. Hub roosts were characterized by greater values of betweenness (β = 0.62, s.e. = 0.02), closeness (β = 0.59, s.e. = 0.03) and eigenvalue centrality (β = 1.15, s.e. = 0.05), indicating their importance as connectors and proximity to the network's functional centre. The probability of a roost being a hub increased significantly with greater eigenvalue centrality. Female wild turkeys consistently chose roost sites at lower elevations and with greater topographical ruggedness. Hub roost probability was higher near secondary roads and further from water. Our research highlights well-organized roost site networks around hub roosts, emphasizing the importance of further investigations into how these networks influence conspecific interactions, reproduction and resource utilization in wild turkeys.

Genetic architecture of white striping in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo).

White striping (WS) is a myopathy of growing concern to the turkey industry. It is rising in prevalence and has negative consequences for consumer acceptance and the functional properties of turkey meat. The objective of this studywas to conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and functional analysis on WS severity. Phenotypic data consisted of white striping scored on turkey breast fillets (N = 8422) by trained observers on a 0-3 scale (none to severe). Of the phenotyped birds, 4667 genotypic records were available using a proprietary 65K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip. The SNP effects were estimated using a linear mixed model with a 30-SNP sliding window approach used to express the percentage genetic variance explained. Positional candidate genes were those located within 50kb of the top 1% of SNP windows explaining the most genetic variance. Of the 95 positional candidate genes, seven were further classified as functional candidate genes because of their association with both a significant gene ontology and molecular function term. The results of the GWAS emphasize the polygenic nature of the trait with no specific genomic region contributing a large portion to the overall genetic variance. Significant pathways relating to growth, muscle development, collagen formation, circulatory system development, cell response to stimulus, and cytokine production were identified. These results help to support published biological associations between WS and hypoxia and oxidative stress and provide information that may be useful for future-omics studies in understanding the biological associations with WS development in turkeys.