Meleagris Gallopavo Research Articles

Spermiogram, microbial contaminants and sensitivity to antibiotics in fresh semen of two poultry lines

This study aimed to isolate bacteria flora in fresh semen of helmeted guinea cock (Numidia meleagris) and Nigeria local turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and determine the sensitivity of the semen microbes to antibiotics with further assessment of sperm quality characteristics in the freshly collected semen. Five matured guinea cocks weighing approximately 3 – 4kg and five matured turkey toms of 10 – 14kg body weights were selected for the study as sperm donors. Semen collection was done twice a week for five weeks using a modified abdominal massage method and ejaculates were pooled independently based on the animal group. The pooled ejaculates in each species were further divided into aliquot A for spermiogram analysis and aliquot B for microbes and antimicrobial sensitivity analysis using standard methods. Results showed that freshly collected semen from both donor birds were contaminated; although, presented good qualities when evaluated for sperm characteristics such as progressive motility (%), livability (%), morphologic abnormalities (%) and concentration (cell×109/ml). Isolated contaminants included Escherichia coli, Shigella spp, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp in fresh semen of the helmeted guinea cocks, similar in turkeys except for Shigella spp. The organisms were all sensitive to streptomycin, gentamycin and pefloxacin except the Staph aureus which showed resistance to pefloxacin and Bacillus spp which was resistant to gentamycin. It was then concluded, that whereas freshly collected semen of guinea cock and turkey toms were contaminated during collection, they still possessed good quality traits when evaluated for semen characteristics and antibiotics like streptomycin, pefloxacin or gentamycin are recommended for use during in-vitro processing and extension of semen from both poultry species.

Minimal shift of eastern wild turkey nesting phenology associated with projected climate change

Climate change may induce mismatches between wildlife reproductive phenology and temporal occurrence of resources necessary for reproductive success. Verifying and elucidating the causal mechanisms behind potential mismatches requires large-scale, longer-duration data. We used eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) nesting data collected across the southeastern U.S. over eight years to investigate potential climatic drivers of variation in nest initiation dates. We investigated climactic relationships with two datasets, one inclusive of successful and unsuccessful nests (full dataset) and another of just successful nests (successfully hatched dataset), to determine whether successfully hatched nests responded differently to weather changes than all nests did. In the full dataset, each 10 cm increase in January precipitation was associated with nesting occurring 0.46–0.66 days earlier, and each 10 cm increase in precipitation during the 30 days preceding nesting was associated with nesting occurring 0.17–0.21 days later. In the successfully hatched dataset, a 10 cm increase in March precipitation was associated with nesting occurring 0.67–0.74 days earlier, and an increase of one unit of variation in February maximum temperature was associated with nesting occurring 0.02 days later. We combined the results of these modeled relationships with multiple climate scenarios to understand potential implications of future climate change on wild turkey nesting phenology; results indicated that mean nest initiation date is projected to change by <0.1 day by 2040–2060. Wild turkey nesting phenology did not track changes in spring green-up timing, which could result in phenological mismatch between the timing of nesting and the availability of resources critical for successful reproduction.

Annual trading patterns and risk factors of avian influenza A/H5 and A/H9 virus circulation in turkey birds (Meleagris gallopavo) at live bird markets in Dhaka city, Bangladesh.

The impacts of the avian influenza virus (AIV) on farmed poultry and wild birds affect human health, livelihoods, food security, and international trade. The movement patterns of turkey birds from farms to live bird markets (LBMs) and infection of AIV are poorly understood in Bangladesh. Thus, we conducted weekly longitudinal surveillance in LBMs to understand the trading patterns, temporal trends, and risk factors of AIV circulation in turkey birds. We sampled a total of 423 turkeys from two LBMs in Dhaka between May 2018 and September 2019. We tested the swab samples for the AIV matrix gene (M-gene) followed by H5, H7, and H9 subtypes using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). We used exploratory analysis to investigate trading patterns, annual cyclic trends of AIV and its subtypes, and a generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic model to determine the factors that influence the infection of H5 and H9 in turkeys. Furthermore, we conducted an observational study and informal interviews with traders and vendors to record turkey trading patterns, demand, and supply and turkey handling practices in LBM. We found that all trade routes of turkey birds to northern Dhaka are unidirectional and originate from the northwestern and southern regions of Bangladesh. The number of trades from the source district to Dhaka depends on the turkey density. The median distance that turkey was traded from its source district to Dhaka was 188 km (Q1 = 165, Q3 = 210, IQR = 45.5). We observed seasonal variation in the median and average distance of turkey. The qualitative findings revealed that turkey farming initially became reasonably profitable in 2018 and at the beginning of 2019. However, the fall in demand and production in the middle of 2019 may be related to unstable market pricing, high feed costs, a shortfall of adequate marketing facilities, poor consumer knowledge, and a lack of advertising. The overall prevalence of AIV, H5, and H9 subtypes in turkeys was 31% (95% CI: 26.6-35.4), 16.3% (95% CI: 12.8-19.8), and 10.2% (95% CI: 7.3-13.1) respectively. None of the samples were positive for H7. The circulation of AIV and H9 across the annual cycle showed no seasonality, whereas the circulation of H5 showed significant seasonality. The GEE revealed that detection of AIV increases in retail vendor business (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.12-2.62) and the bird's health status is sick (OR: 10.77; 95% CI: 4.31-26.94) or dead (OR: 11.33; 95% CI: 4.30-29.89). We also observed that winter season (OR: 5.83; 95% CI: 2.80-12.14) than summer season, dead birds (OR: 61.71; 95% CI: 25.78-147.75) and sick birds (OR 8.33; 95% CI: 3.36-20.64) compared to healthy birds has a higher risk of H5 infection in turkeys. This study revealed that the turkeys movements vary by time and season from the farm to the LBM. This surveillance indicated year-round circulation of AIV with H5 and H9 subtypes in turkey birds in LBMs. The seasonality and health condition of birds influence H5 infection in birds. The trading pattern of turkey may play a role in the transmission of AIV viruses in the birds. The selling of sick turkeys infected with H5 and H9 highlights the possibility of virus transmission to other species of birds sold at LBMs and to people.

The Histomorphometry of The Small Intestine on Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo) at Different Age Levels

This study aims to determine the histomorphometry of the small intestine of turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) at different age levels. This study used a completely randomized design. This study used 18 male turkeys, divided into 3 groups of ages 8, 16, and 24 weeks, each group comprising 6 turkeys. The necropsied turkey's small intestine was taken into histological preparations and stained with haematoxylin-eosin (HE). The results showed that the histological picture of the small intestine layer of turkeys at different age levels consisted of four layers: tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscular, and tunica serosa. Histomorphometrically, there was an increase in the thickness of all layers of the small intestine from 8 and 16 weeks of age (P0.05), and the height of the intestinal villi increased in all parts of the small intestine at 8, 16 and 24 weeks of age (P0.05 ). In conclusion, with histomorphometric measurements, it can be seen that there are differences in the three age groups.

A species-specific digital PCR assay for the endangered blue racer (Coluber constrictor foxii) in Canada.

The only population of the endangered blue racer (Coluber constrictor foxii) in Canada occurs on Pelee Island, Ontario. The species is threatened by multiple factors, including habitat degradation and loss, road mortality, persecution, and potentially predation. We designed and evaluated the performance of an environmental DNA droplet digital PCR assay that can be used for multiple facets of conservation of this species. We tested the assay in silico and in vitro using DNA of blue racers and co-occurring snake species and estimated the LOD and LOQ using synthetic DNA. As wild turkey predation has been suggested to negatively affect racers, we tested the assay on eight wild turkey faecal samples. Our assay is specific, can detect the target species at very low levels of concentration (0.002 copies/µL), and can accurately quantify copy numbers ≥ 0.26 copies/µL. We detected no racer DNA in any wild turkey faecal sample. More faecal samples collected at strategic locations during snake peak activity on Pelee Island would enable a more thorough assessment of the possibility of turkey predation. Our assay should be effective for other environmental samples and can be used for investigating other factors negatively affecting blue racers, for example, helping to quantify blue racer habitat suitability and site occupancy.

Reproductive asynchrony within social groups of female eastern wild turkeys.

Coordination in timing of reproduction is driven by multiple ecological and sociobiological processes for a wide array of species. Eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) use a male dominance polygynous mating system, where males communicate with females via elaborate courtship displays and vocalizations at display sites. Most females prefer to mate with dominant males; therefore, asynchronous breeding and nesting may occur which can disproportionately influence individual fitness within breeding groups. For female wild turkeys, there are reproductive advantages associated with earlier nesting. As such, we evaluated reproductive asynchrony within and between groups of GPS-tagged female eastern wild turkeys based on timing of nest initiation. We examined 30 social groups with an average of seven females per group (range 2-15) during 2014-2019 in west central Louisiana. We found that the estimated number of days between first nest initiation across females within groups varied between 3 and 7 days across years, although we expected 1-2 days to occur between successive nesting attempts of females within groups based on observations of captive wild turkeys in the extant literature. The number of days between successive nest attempts across females within groups was lower for successful than failed attempts, and nests with an average of 2.8 days between initiation of another nest were more likely to hatch. Our findings suggest that asynchronous reproduction may influence reproductive success in female wild turkeys.

Spatiotemporal overlap with invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) varies by species and season in a temperate ecosystem

AbstractWild pigs (Sus scrofa), which are invasive in many regions globally, can alter ecosystems and compete with native species through interference competition and resource exploitation. Wild pig impacts on other species may increase with greater niche overlap, which could vary over time based on environmental conditions, resource availability, or biological traits like diet, especially as seasonal variation in wild pig diet has been widely documented. A limited number of studies have assessed spatial or temporal overlap between native species and invasive wild pigs, with only a handful simultaneously assessing overlap in these niche dimensions. We investigated the potential for interspecific interactions involving invasive wild pigs in the Piedmont region of South Carolina, USA, by examining seasonal spatiotemporal overlap with other wildlife using N‐mixture models and diel activity overlap analyses. Site use by white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and coyote (Canis latrans) was negatively associated with wild pig activity in the fall, when the species had high diel activity overlap, indicating spatial partitioning could reduce interference competition with wild pigs in this season. Conversely, white‐tailed deer site use was positively associated with wild pig activity in the winter, suggesting higher spatial overlap may be necessary if resources are limited. Site use by bobcat (Lynx rufus) and nine‐banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) in the spring, along with raccoon (Procyon lotor) and wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) site use in the summer, was positively associated with wild pig activity. With the exception of diurnal wild turkey, diel activity overlap between these species and wild pigs was high, although temporal partitioning could have occurred at finer spatiotemporal scales than we examined. Our results collectively emphasize the importance of accounting for seasonal spatial and temporal responses by individual species to invasive wild pigs, with special consideration given to species in seasons where high niche overlap with wild pigs is anticipated.

Effects of human and nonhuman predation risk on antipredator movement behaviors of an upland game bird

AbstractPredators elicit antipredator behaviors such as proactive and reactive movements in prey, but both are rarely investigated simultaneously. Impacts of human predation risk on antipredator behaviors can be greater than those of nonhuman predators, resulting in increased effects on populations and community structure. We compared the influence of human and nonhuman predation risk on proactive and reactive antipredator movement behaviors of male Eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo, hereafter turkey). We used simultaneously collected GPS locations from 31 turkeys and 36 coyotes (Canis latrans) to investigate the antipredator behavior of turkeys to coyotes. To assess antipredator behaviors of turkeys to hunters, we used 1661 hunting tracks collected while monitoring 109 turkeys. For proactive movements, we quantified how predation risk influenced resource selection. To investigate reactive movements, we quantified changes in movement behavior of turkeys after encountering hunters and coyotes. Coyote and turkey home range overlap was high, but lack of core area overlap, encounters, and similar resource selection suggested the use of different areas on the landscape. Turkeys selected areas associated with decreased coyote risk and closer to hardwoods. Coyotes preferred shrubs and open areas, suggesting turkeys avoided coyote risk and the habitats coyotes preferred. We detected 17 coyote and turkey contacts, and the probability of contact decreased by 16.6% for every 100 m farther from a forest edge. Turkeys did not display reactive movement behaviors after a direct encounter with coyotes, as step lengths were similar prior to and after encounters, which did not differ from random step lengths. After hunting, turkeys selected areas farther from public access points and closer to private property, suggesting proactive avoidance of hunter risk. We detected 31 hunter and turkey contacts; increased step lengths after hunter contacts suggested fleeing behavior. The probability of a hunter–turkey contact decreased by 5.5% for every 100 m farther from a secondary road. Antipredator movement behaviors by turkeys suggest coyote risk to be low over a broad temporal window, while hunter risk is high for a narrow temporal window. We provide insight into how human‐induced fear can cause antipredator behavioral responses greater than nonhuman fear, potentially causing changes in species distribution and community structure.

Isolation of Cellulolytic Bacteria from Kalkun (Meleagris gallopavo) Gastro-Intestinal Tract as a Candidate Probiotics for Poultry

This study has been conducted to isolate and identify cellulolytic bacteria from the digestive tract of turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) as probiotic candidates for poultry. This study has obtained 4 bacteria that have the potential as probiotic candidates through the morphological identification stage, the ability to produce cellulase enzymes and resistance to acidic pH conditions. The test found that RDL code bacteria bacteria have the highest ability to produce enzyme cellulase characterized by the formation of a clearing zone with a diameter of 11 mm, the second highest PVB2 code bacteria with a clearing zone diameter of 7 mm, DB1 4 mm, and RSL 2 mm and the results of bacterial viability tests isolated at low pH (2.0) showed the highest viability after incubating for 4 hours. RDL viability is 65%, RSL 48%, DB1 50%, and PVb2 29%. So based on the tests that have been carried out, it is estimated that the 4 bacteria are candidates for Lactobacillus sp. worthy to be used as a probiotic for poultry

Research Note: Isolation, speciation, and anticoccidial sensitivity of Eimeria spp. recovered from wild turkey feces in the United States

Between 2018 and 2020, over 100 wild turkey fecal samples were collected from the Eastern and Central thirds of the United States, where commercial turkey production is uncommon. We hypothesized that anticoccidial-sensitive Eimeria spp. would be present in wild turkey fecal samples. Samples containing Eimeria spp. oocysts were amplified in vivo. If propagation was successful, the samples were PCR-speciated and subjected to anticoccidial sensitivity testing (AST) for key members of both ionophore and chemical categories of anticoccidial drugs. The purpose of this study was to isolate Eimeria spp. relevant to commercial turkey production that possessed sensitivity to monensin, zoalene, and amprolium. Future research would evaluate the efficacy of wild turkey Eimeria spp. as vaccine candidates for reducing coccidiosis in commercial turkey flocks utilizing single oocyst-derived stocks obtained in the present study.

Fight or flight: Eastern wild Turkey repeatedly defends nest against raccoon

Eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) are an economically and culturally important species throughout eastern and central North America. Eastern wild turkey nests are predated by a suite of predators, providing sustenance for those predators but also potentially adding to recent turkey population declines. While studies of wild turkey nest success and nest predation rates are common, many rely on artificial nests which fail to account for the defensive capabilities of nesting hens. Direct observation of attempted and successful predation events are largely absent from the literature, but needed to understand these interspecific interactions. Following the chance discovery of an eastern wild turkey nest we placed two camera traps overlooking the nest. The camera traps recorded six attempted nest raids by a raccoon (Procyon lotor), of which only once did the raccoon appear to steal an egg. The remaining five attempts were fended off by the hen, which puffed her feathers and defended the nest. We conclude that hens may be capable of defending their nests against attempted predation events by raccoons, but additional research is needed to determine if this hen's defensive capacity is typical and whether other predators are more successful at raiding nests.

Gelatin production from Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) skin as a new source: From waste to a sustainable food gelling agent.

Turkey skin, a byproduct of poultry processing, contains a significant amount of collagen that might be used to make non-mammal gelatin. However, gelatin production from turkey skin has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this research is to figure out the optimum gelatin extraction conditions from turkey employing the central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodologies (RSM). The independent factors such as temperature (50, 60, and 70 °C) and time (5, 7, and 9 h) were optimized for three response variables, namely yield, gel strength, and foam expansion (FE). With R2 values of 0.8576 for yield, 0.8386 for gel strength, and 0.9283 for foam expansion, linear, quadratic, and respective models were used. The yield, gel strength, and FE actual values were found to be 15.36%, 396.61 g, and 40%, respectively. The optimum extraction conditions were found to be 62.90 °C for 6.84 h. The foam stability, L, and b values were significantly impacted by temperature and extraction time (p < 0.05). The gel strength value of the gelatin extracted under optimal conditions was higher than that of commercial bovine. The findings of this investigation showed that turkey skin is a suitable raw material for the manufacturing of gelatin. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Storage time and temperature of filter paper strips affect anti-West Nile virus antibody detection in 2 galliform species.

The effects of filter paper strip (FPS) storage time and temperature on antibody detection are poorly understood despite widespread use in wildlife research. We collected sera and FPSs from 23 wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and 20 northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) experimentally infected with West Nile virus (WNV) to compare FPS storage methods with WNV plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) sensitivity. FPS storage methods included: immediate elution after drying, and storage at -20°C for 3 mo, -20°C for 6 mo, room temperature (RT) for 3 mo, and RT for 6 mo prior to elution. FPS eluates and sera were co-titrated to determine endpoint antibody titers, which were compared between FPS sera eluted immediately and sera, and among FPS eluates that underwent different storage conditions. Antibody titers were ~4-fold less in FPS sera eluted immediately versus sera, and dropped more frequently below PRNT detection threshold in northern bobwhites, which had ~10-fold lower serum antibody titers than wild turkeys. Antibody titers were lower in FPS samples stored at RT and for 6 mo. WNV serologic surveys may result in falsely low seroprevalence estimates if FPSs are stored at RT for ≥ 3 mo before elution.

Isolation and Characterization of Avian Coronavirus from Diagnostic Cases of Selected Bird Species in Malaysia

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in chicken (Gallus gallus) is the most common and well-studied Avian coronavirus (ACoV) in avian species. The study aims to molecularly characterize ACoV isolate of selected bird species other than chicken obtained from the archived samples of field diagnostic cases in the Northern Zone Veterinary Laboratory (MVZU), Malaysia. Twelve archived virus isolates from 2013 to 2019 were amplified using selected primers on the 3’ UTR gene and S1 gene for oligonucleotide sequencing. These sequences were then molecularly characterized and compared with common IBV strains in chicken to determine the genetic diversity of the virus among selected avian species. Subsequent analyses of the nucleotides amplified on 3’ UTR conserved region of 12 selected ACoVs isolates originating from peacocks (Pavo cristatus), turkey (Meleagris), jungle fowl (Gallus gallus spadiceous), guinea fowl (Meleagris gallopavo domesticus), goose (Anser anser domesticus), love bird (Agapornis), macaw (Ara macao), and bird (species unidentified) are classified as belonging to the gammacoronavirus (Gamma-CoV) genus and have a high degree of homology. The S1 complete gene sequence analyses of guinea fowl and jungle fowl showed that both ACoV isolates are Gamma-CoV and under genotype I and GI-13 lineages. Both are identified as having a high similarity of 98% and 99%, respectively, with IBV vaccine strain 4/91 (AF093793). Due attention should be given to ACoVs strains, especially the IBV vaccine strains detected in other bird species, because there is a high probability that other bird species could be the source of pathogenic ACoV infection in general and IBV infection in chickens, as reported in other countries.

Alpha-class glutathione S-transferases involved in the detoxification of aflatoxin B1 in ducklings.

The objective of this study was to identify the key glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozymes involved in the detoxification of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in ducks' primary hepatocytes. The full-length cDNA encoding the 10 GST isozymes (GST, GST3, GSTM3, MGST1, MGST2, MGST3, GSTK1, GSTT1, GSTO1 and GSTZ1) were isolated/synthesized from ducks' liver and cloned into the pcDNA3.1(+) vector. The results showed that pcDNA3.1(+)-GSTs plasmids were successfully transferred into the ducks' primary hepatocytes and the mRNA of the 10 GST isozymes were overexpressed by 1.9-3274.7 times. Compared to the control, 75μg/L (IC30) or 150μg/L (IC50) AFB1 treatment reduced the cell viability by 30.0-50.0% and increased the LDH activity by 19.8-58.2% in the ducks' primary hepatocytes. Notably, the AFB1-induced changes in cell viability and LDH activity were mitigated by overexpression of GST and GST3. Compared to the cells treated with AFB1, exo-AFB1-8,9-epoxide (AFBO)-GSH, as the major detoxified product of AFB1, was increased in the cells overexpression of GST and GST3. Moreover, the sequences, phylogenetic and domain analysis revealed that the GST and GST3 were orthologous to Meleagris gallopavo GSTA3 and GSTA4. In conclusion, this study found that the ducks' GST and GST3 were orthologous to Meleagris gallopavo GSTA3 and GSTA4, which were involved in the detoxification of AFB1 in ducks' primary hepatocytes.

Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) under semi intensive System in the Sudan

he objectives of this study were to determine the growthperformance and carcass traits of turkeys under semi intensive system in theSudan. Atotal of 100 unsexed turkey growers from the commercial breed(B.U.T. Big 6) were used during 7 th June to 6 th August, 2011. Birds were keptin an open sided deep litter poultry house at the University of Bahri Farmfrom 9 to 16 weeks of age and fed on turkey grower and finisher diets.Results of feed intake and body weight showed a consistent increase withincrease in age. Performance results showed that turkey had 2.42 kg, 6.64 kg,79.49 g, 1.5 kg/ bird/ day, 2.8 and 4%, starting weight, finishing weight,average daily gain, average feed intake; average feed conversion ratio (FCR)and total mortality, respectively. Results also showed that turkey had 6.91 kg,5.03 kg, 76.98%, 14.37%, 14.2% and 33.4% slaughter weight, carcassweight, dressing percentage and thigh, drumstick and breast weights aspercentage of carcass weight, respectively. Males obtained significantlyheavier slaughter, carcass, thigh, drumstick and breast weights than females.On the other hand PH, WHC and cooking loss were 5.63, 36.6 and 2.05,respectively. It can be concluded that, the rearing of B.U.T. Big 6commercial breed of turkey is possible under semi intensive system in theSudan. Further studies are needed to determine turkey performance andcarcass attributes under range and intensive systems of management using thesame breed or other turkey breeds.

Efficacy of autonomous recording units to evaluate wild turkey gobbling chronology in North Carolina, USA

AbstractWild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)gobbling is a key component of hunter satisfaction, also providing insight into the underlying reproductive ecology of wild turkeys that can inform regulatory decisions. However, monitoring gobbling chronology over large geographic areas can be logistically challenging and identifying efficient monitoring schemes can help wildlife agencies better manage the species. We evaluated the efficacy and utility of autonomous recording units (ARUs) to detect wild turkey gobbles and deployed 51 ARUs to monitor gobbling chronology in North Carolina, USA. We conducted controlled field‐tests at 20 locations to compare how detection of gobbles differed by ARU software, manual review of ARUs, and in‐field human observers. Autonomous detections had the lowest probability, with detection probabilities approaching 0 at 300 m from the ARU. Autonomous detections of gobbles were affected by leaf‐on conditions and topographical interference while vegetation type surrounding ARUs had minimal and inconsistent effects on detection. We deployed ARUs on properties with little or no turkey hunting across North Carolina from March–May during 2016 through 2019 to explore annual and regional variation in gobbling chronology. We used ARUs to monitor gobbling chronology and recorded 53,943 hours of audio files from which we confirmed 113,737 gobbles out of a total of 602,053 possible sound events identified. We identified multimodal gobbling chronology across 3 primary physiographic regions in North Carolina. We also found comparable timing of gobbling chronology across the 3 regions, with 57–61% of gobbling occurring during the weeks in which hunting seasons occur. We recommend that researchers validate ARU performance to calibrate monitoring of gobbling chronology. Additionally, our gobbling chronology data suggest that a statewide framework, rather than a regionally split framework, is appropriate for wild turkey hunting in North Carolina.

An Explorative Study of the Causal Pathogenesis of Green Liver Discoloration in Organically Reared Female Bronze Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) Considering the Infectious Risk Factors

A recent study revealed that organically raised Bronze turkeys showed a high prevalence of green liver discoloration. This alteration is commonly associated with the Turkey Osteomyelitis Complex and potentially caused by opportunistic bacteria. Therefore, 360 organically fattened Bronze turkeys were examined post-mortem throughout two fattening trials with two examinations each to determine possible infectious risk factors and reduce disease prevalence. Clinical and pathoanatomical examinations were performed on every hen. Histopathological, bacteriological, parasitological, and virological examinations were performed on at least six hens without and, if applicable, six hens with green livers on each examination date. Overall, 9.0% of all hens had a green liver without a correlation with bacterial or parasitological findings but multiple health impairments. The discoloration correlated significantly with the detection of immunosuppressive turkey hemorrhagic enteritis virus at the early stage and macro- and histological joint/bone lesions at the late fattening stage, indicating the presence of two different predisposing pathogeneses. Flocks not being vaccinated against hemorrhagic enteritis but having a virus-positive sample showed the highest prevalence of green liver discoloration and developed worse in various parameters. In conclusion, an adequate vaccination schedule and the prevention of field infections may lead to a decreased risk of performance reduction and improved animal health.

Wild Turkeys in Texas: Ecology and Management by William P. Kuvlesky Jr. et al.

Reviewed by: Wild Turkeys in Texas: Ecology and Management by William P. Kuvlesky Jr. et al. William D. Gulsby Wild Turkeys in Texas: Ecology and Management. By William P. Kuvlesky Jr., Leonard A. Brennan, José Alfonso Ortega-Santos, Damon L. Williford, Jason B. Hardin, Humberto L. Perotto-Baldivieso, Landon Fritz, Clayton D. Hilton, Fred C. Bryant, Stephan A. Nelle, Brandon M. Mitchell, and Nova Silvy. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 2020. 232 pp. Figures, tables, maps, bibliography, index. $40.00 cloth. Texas is a large and ecologically diverse state, and home to the Rio Grande, Eastern, and Merriam's wild turkey subspecies. Accordingly, writing a book on the ecology and management of wild turkeys in Texas is a difficult task, but one I think the authors handled well. Part of their success is attributable to the team they assembled, which included academics, agency biologists, and private-sector biologists, each with complementary experience and skillsets. Although the book does an exceptional job providing state-specific information to wild turkey enthusiasts in Texas, it is also a welcome update to Dickson's (1992) book The Wild Turkey: Biology and Management. Specifically, its contents are broadly applicable to those working with any of the three subspecies discussed. This is particularly true for Eastern wild turkeys, as most research has focused on this subspecies; the text reflects that. Most importantly, the book serves as a collection of updated references the reader can use to dive deeper into topics they find relevant. As an academic currently working with wild turkeys, I discovered several relevant journal articles during my review. The chapters are structured well, with the first few covering taxonomy and evolution, life history, and the restoration efforts that led to the populations we enjoy today. Then the authors take a deeper dive into population and behavioral ecology, habitat requirements and management, and diseases and parasites. Of those chapters, I found the population ecology chapter the most useful, as it contained several tables and figures summarizing research findings from studies representing various geographic regions. Wild turkey managers will likely find the chapters on habitat requirements and management particularly helpful, as they discuss everything from water requirements to grazing, brush management, food plots, forest management, and roost site identification and preservation. The chapter on diseases and parasites provides a broad overview but does not dive very deep into any one pathogen. The text closes with chapters on working with private landowners, conservation, research priorities, and the future. These chapters should be especially useful to aspiring and early career wildlife professionals interested in working with turkeys or other wildlife. The text was well supported with relevant images throughout. I found particularly useful those depicting different species of plants important to turkeys, as well as those showing various habitat management techniques and desired vegetation conditions to meet turkey requirements. I had very few criticisms and noted only a couple errors. One was the statement that fire cannot occur more frequently than every three years in longleaf pine–dominated landscapes, which is not true, as some longleaf pine stands are burned annually. I think this may have been an issue with phrasing. Another was that Bermudagrass was referred to as a cool-season grass in one section, which it is not. Otherwise, I found the writing and information to be easy to follow and accurate. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in hunting, managing, or researching wild turkeys in Texas or elsewhere. Having a single reference on the shelf with up-to-date information on all aspects of wild turkey ecology and management will come in handy for both new and veteran turkey enthusiasts. I have no doubt I will find myself referencing the book, or using it to identify additional sources of information, on a regular basis. [End Page 61] William D. Gulsby College of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Auburn University Copyright © 2023 Center for Great Plains Studies

Factors influencing survival of female eastern wild turkeys in northeastern South Dakota

AbstractPopulation growth can be sensitive to changes in survival rates for many avian species. Understanding sources of mortality, and how to mitigate negative effects on survival, can give managers insight into factors contributing to population change. Harvest trends of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) in northeastern South Dakota suggest a decline in abundance. We investigated factors influencing survival of wild turkeys to identify potential factors contributing to the decline. We monitored 122 female wild turkeys using VHF radio transmitters from February 2017 to April 2019. Annual survival was 0.52 (95% CI = 0.33–0.64) for juvenile and 0.49 (95% CI = 0.23–0.63) for adult females, respectively. Daily survival probability was significantly lower during the spring (log‐odds ratio [LOR] = −0.9; 95% CI = −1.5–−0.2) and while a juvenile female was incubating (LOR = −0.67; 95% CI = −1.23–−0.09) but not while an adult female was incubating (LOR = −0.35; 95% CI = −0.92–0.24). Mammalian predation was the leading cause of mortality, and female wild turkeys were most vulnerable to predation during the spring while engaging in nesting and rearing of young broods. Wild turkeys were at risk for additional sources of mortality while incubating nests that were not contributors to mortality during other periods of the year, as deaths caused by haying equipment—the second greatest cause of mortality—only occurred while a female was incubating. Reducing female mortality due to haying, by delaying cutting, installing flushing bars on haying equipment, or increasing availability of suitable nesting cover types to reduce the probability of nesting in hayfields, could improve female survival. Annual survival during our study was about 16–29% lower than survival estimates from northeastern South Dakota during the 1990s, suggesting that reduced female survival could be contributing to the apparent decline in wild turkey abundance.