scholarly journals Backpack-mounted satellite transmitters do not affect reproductive performance in a migratory bustard

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Burnside ◽  
João L. Guilherme ◽  
Nigel J. Collar ◽  
Paul M. Dolman
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Chick Survival ◽  
Life History Parameter ◽  
Egg Hatchability ◽  
Satellite Transmitters ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Lay Date ◽  
Ground Nesting

AbstractBackpack-mounted satellite transmitters (PTTs) are used extensively in the study of avian habitat use and of the movements and demography of medium- to large-bodied species, but can affect individuals’ performance and fitness. Transparent assessment of potential transmitter effects is important for both ethical accountability and confidence in, or adjustment to, life history parameter estimates. We assessed the influence of transmitters on seven reproductive parameters in Asian houbara Chlamydotis macqueenii, comparing 114 nests of 38 females carrying PTTs to 184 nests of untagged birds (non-PTT) over seven breeding seasons (2012–2018) in Uzbekistan. There was no evidence of any influence of PTTs on: lay date (non-PTT x̅ = 91.7 Julian day ± 12.3 SD; PTT x̅ = 95.1 Julian day ± 15.7 SD); clutch size (non-PTT x̅= 3.30 ± 0.68 SD; PTT x̅ = 3.25 ± 0.65 SD); mean egg weight at laying (non-PTT x̅ = 66.1 g ± 5.4 SD; PTT x̅ = 66.4 g ± 5.4 SD); nest success (non-PTT x̅ = 57.08% ± 4.3 SE; PTT x̅ = 58.24% ± 4.5 SE for nests started 2 April); egg hatchability (non-PTT x̅ = 88.3% ± 2.2 SE; PTT x̅ = 88.3% ± 2.6 SE); or chick survival to fledging from broods that had at least one surviving chick (non-PTT x̅ = 63.4% ± 4.2 SE; PTT x̅ = 64.4% ± 4.7 SE). High nesting propensity (97.3% year−1 ± 1.9% SE) of tagged birds indicated minimal PTT effect on breeding probability. These findings show that harness-mounted transmitters can give unbiased measures of demographic parameters of this species, and are relevant to other large-bodied, cursorial, ground-nesting birds of open habitats, particularly other bustards.

The impact of dietary protein:carbohydrate balance on lifespan and reproduction in Protaetia brevitarsis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae)

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
S.-H. Kim ◽  
H. Park ◽  
W. Kim ◽  
J.-H. Song ◽  
S.J. Roh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Reproductive Senescence ◽  
Egg Hatchability ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Medicinal Value ◽  
Egg Production Rate ◽  
The Impact

The establishment of efficient and sustainable production of industrially important insects necessitates the detailed knowledge of the optimal mixture of macronutrients required for maximising their performance and fitness. The white spotted flower chafer, Protaetia brevitarsis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae), is one of the most important edible insects in East Asia with high nutritional and medicinal value. Here, we report how the ratio of protein to digestible carbohydrate (P:C) in the diet influenced lifespan and reproductive performance in the adults of P. brevitarsis. Throughout their lifespan, beetles were fed ad libitum one of five diets with differing P:C ratio (0:1, 3:7, 1:1, 7:3, 1:0). Both lifespan and the number of eggs produced over the lifetime were maximised at the P:C ratio of 3:7 and declined as the ratio deviated away from this optimal P:C composition. Beetles fed a diet containing only protein (P:C 1:0) not only had the shortest lifespan but also exhibited substantially reduced lifetime egg production compared to those fed the other diets. However, the effects of dietary P:C ratio on daily egg production rate and egg hatchability were marginal. The number of eggs produced at each age stage peaked at the age of week 2 and then gradually declined with increasing age, showing the sign of reproductive senescence. Age-specific egg production was higher in beetles confined to three intermediate P:C ratios (3:7, 1:1, 7:3) than those confined to two extreme P:C ratios (0:1, 1:0) throughout their lifespan. The speed of age-related decrease in reproductive performance was the slowest at P:C 3:7. Our data have implications for optimising the production of this edible insect with emerging economic importance.

scholarly journals Fiche technique de l’impact de l’amendement du substrat en poudre de coquille d’œuf de poule sur la reproduction de Archachatina marginata (Swainson, 1821)

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (33) ◽  
pp. 239
Author(s):  
Aman Jean Baptiste ◽  
Memel Jean Didier ◽  
Kouassi Kouadio Daniel ◽  
Otchoumou Atcho
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Soil Amendment ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Chicken Egg ◽  
Substrate Amendment ◽  
Egg Shell ◽  
Shell Powder

This study consists in looking for an improvement of Archachatina margina reproductions performances by amendment of the breeding substrates. As a result, five types of substrate were prepared by soil amendment at different rates (0%, 10%, 20%, 30% et 40%) with chicken egg shell powder. On these substrates, snails were raised from spat stage until they were laid. Reproductive parameters such as: age of first laying, the number of annual laying per animal, the number of eggs per laying on the different substrates were recorded. Overall, snail laying performances improved with increasing rate of substrate amendment. However, beyond a rate of 20%, the weight of eggs laid began to decline. The chicken egg shell powder is suitable for the amendment of the breeding substrate of snails Archachatina marginata in view of an improvement in their reproductive performance. The rate of amendment recommended to this effect is 20%.

Reproductive synchrony of three sympatric species of wobbegong shark (genus Orectolobus) in New South Wales, Australia: reproductive parameter estimates necessary for population modelling

2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (8) ◽  
pp. 765 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlie Huveneers ◽  
Terence I. Walker ◽  
Nicholas M. Otway ◽  
Robert G. Harcourt
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Sympatric Species ◽  
Parameter Estimates ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Population Modelling ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Total Length ◽  
South Wales

Reproductive parameters of three closely-related sympatric species of wobbegong (Orectolobus ornatus, O. maculatus and O. halei) off New South Wales (NSW) were investigated to contribute to a biological basis for the management of a commercial fishery targeting wobbegongs. Estimates of the onset of maturity based on ovary condition were 729 mm, 1117 mm, and 1591 mm total length (TL) for O. ornatus, O. maculatus and O. halei respectively. The length at which 50% of the male population is mature based on clasper calcification was 803 mm, 1282 mm and 1784 mm TL for O. ornatus, O. maculatus and O. halei, respectively, and was similar to female onset of maturity based on uterus condition and to TL-at-maternity. These species of wobbegong had synchronous, triennial reproductive cycles. Follicles took 2 years to enlarge before ovulation. During the first year, follicles remained small, and then grew rapidly during the second year before ovulation during November. Gestation lasted ~10–11 months and parturition occurred during September–October. Mean litter sizes were nine (s.e. 0.5) and 21 (s.e. 1.5) for O. ornatus and O. maculatus, respectively, and increased with female total length in O. ornatus. Pregnant O. ornatus and O. maculatus were frequently caught in northern NSW and no pregnant wobbegongs, or females with large, yolky follicles were captured south of Sydney. Differences in the reproductive conditions of wobbegongs caught in northern and central NSW suggested geographically dependent reproductive behaviour. Knowledge of the reproductive parameters provided in this paper is necessary for adequate fisheries management and species conservation assessments.

Mixed evidence for effects of stewardship on Least Tern reproductive success in coastal Mississippi

The Condor ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail J Darrah
Keyword(s):  
Sandy Beaches ◽  
Chick Survival ◽  
Least Terns ◽  
Least Tern ◽  
Daily Nest Survival ◽  
Coastal Birds ◽  
Total Productivity ◽  
Work Shifts ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Positive Effect

Abstract Disturbance from human activity can cause reduced productivity of coastal birds that nest on sandy beaches. A common method to protect coastal birds from human disturbance is the use of signs and fencing to close off a section of beach used for breeding. This management action requires public compliance and might require enforcement, such as in the use of volunteer stewards stationed at protected colonies that provide education and enforcement. I assessed the effectiveness of active stewardship as a conservation measure to protect nesting Least Terns (Sternula antillarum) in coastal Mississippi by determining if colony-level productivity (fledglings produced per nest) was correlated with stewardship effort (hours that stewards protected each colony), the rate of disturbance from human and natural sources, and additional factors. Observers surveyed 24 Least Tern colonies in Harrison County, Mississippi, twice weekly during the 2017–2019 breeding seasons to record the number of nests present, the fate of marked nests, predator tracks within the colony, and the number of fledglings produced per colony. Concurrently, during their work shifts, stewards recorded all sources and durations of disturbance events that caused the terns to flush or respond with defense. Least Tern daily nest survival increased with colony size and stewardship effort, and was lower during intervals that included weekends and evidence of owl presence. Total productivity was negatively associated with avian predator disturbance rate and the total time adults spent flushed, but was not associated with stewardship effort. The results of this study demonstrate that active stewardship can have a positive effect on Least Tern productivity by increasing nest success, whereas current stewardship practices were not sufficient to increase chick survival, even in a system with a paucity of ground predators.

Reproductive performance of Beltsville small White and Broad Breasted Bronze Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) under hot humid climatic condition

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Anna Anandh ◽  
P. N. Richard Jagatheesan
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Climatic Condition ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Meleagris Gallopavo ◽  
Embryonic Mortality ◽  
Humid Climate ◽  
Egg Hatchability ◽  
Standard Management ◽  
Hot Humid Climate ◽  
Humid Climatic Condition

The study was conducted to compare the reproductive performance of Beltsville Small White and Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys (<italic>Meleagris gallopavo</italic>) under the hot humid climatic condition. Beltsville Small White and Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys were raised in an intensive production system under standard management practices. A total of 560 Beltsville Small White turkey eggs and 520 Broad Breasted Bronze turkey eggs were used for this study. Average egg weight (g), infertile eggs (%), early embryonic mortality (%), late embryonic mortality (%), dead in shell (%) and poults hatched weight (g) were significantly (P>0.01) higher in Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys as compared to Beltsville Small White turkeys. The total hatchability (%), fertile egg hatchability (%) and poults survivability (%) were (P>0.01) significantly higher in Beltsville Small White turkeys as compared to Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys. Non significantly higher fertility percentage was observed in Beltsville Small White turkeys as compared to Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys. It is concluded that Beltsville Small White turkeys are more suitable to obtain better reproductive performance under hot humid climate condition followed by Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys.

Chick survival in the megapode Alectura lathami (Australian brush-turkey)

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Göth ◽  
Uwe Vogel
Keyword(s):  
Survival Time ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Chick Survival ◽  
Average Survival Time ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Average Survival ◽  
Introduced Predators ◽  
Management Plans ◽  
Alectura Lathami ◽  
Breeding Seasons

Megapode chicks live independently from the time of hatching and are thus ideal subjects for investigations into how the lack of parental care can affect chick survival. Here, we present such results for chicks of the Australian brush-turkey (Alectura lathami), radio-tracked in two smallremnant rainforest patches (Mary Cairncross Rainforest Park and Aplin Forest) from their second day of life. Mortality was 88–100% during the first three weeks after hatching. It did not differ between two breeding seasons at Mary Cairncross Rainforest Park, as evident from comparisons of average survival time (in days) and Kaplan–Meier survival estimates. Survival differed, though, between the two sites in the same breeding season: the average survival time was significantly higher at Aplin Forest (8 days compared with 3�days) and the Kaplan–Meier survival estimates decreased less sharply. Predation by cats and birds of prey exerted the greatest influence on survival, but the proportion of deaths caused by these two predators was approximately the same at both sites. The main factor affecting survival was obviously the availability of thickets, which were more abundant at Aplin Forest. The survival rates of chicks released in thickets was significantly higher than of those released in the rainforest, presumably because they were better protected from predators. For chicks living in thickets the likelihood of being killed was lower than expected, but it was higher for those remaining in rainforest. On the basis of these results, we propose that management plans for endangered megapodes should include the identification and protection of large protective thicket habitats for enhancing overall chick survival, apart from controlling introduced predators such as feral cats.

scholarly journals The effect of parity and date of service on the reproductive performance of Polish Large White × Polish Landrace (PLW × PL) crossbred sows

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damian Knecht ◽  
Kamil Duziński
Keyword(s):  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Industrial Scale ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Large White ◽  
Research Material ◽  
July August September

Abstract The aim of this study was to demonstrate the influence of the month of insemination on the reproductive performance of crossbred sows in moderate climates. The research material consisted of 309 primiparous and 625 multiparous (PLW×PL) sows kept on an industrial-scale farm. Analysis included 2457 litters obtained during a five-year period from 2006 to 2011. Statistically, the lowest number of piglets born alive and weaned was observed as a result of summer month insemination (July, August, September) compared to the winter months (February, March) (P≤0.01 and P≤0.05). Inseminations in the first four months of the year resulted in a higher number of piglets born alive in second and following parities (P≤0.01). Statistically significant differences in litter size due to the month of insemination were observed for sows in parities 4 and 5-11 (P≤0.01 and P≤0.05). The shortest farrowing interval was demonstrated for sows inseminated in November, the longest in January, March (P≤0.01) and April, July (P≤0.05). The results indicate that the insemination month of the sow may affect some reproductive parameters.

Testing the intergenerational conflict hypothesis: factors affecting adoptions in Audouin's gulls, Larus audouinii

1999 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 433-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Oro ◽  
Meritxell Genovart
Keyword(s):  
Food Availability ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Foster Parents ◽  
Intergenerational Conflict ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Ground Nesting ◽  
Larus Audouinii

We studied chick adoption in Audouin's gull, Larus audouinii, a ground-nesting seabird, to test several predictions made by the intergenerational-conflict hypothesis (ICH). The effects of food availability on adoptions were considered by comparing two breeding seasons with differing food supply. As predicted, adoptions were significantly more frequent when food was in shorter supply (48% of broods affected) than when it was more available (18.5%). Adoptions occurred during the first week of the chick-rearing stage; after that, aggression by adults towards intruding chicks increased significantly, which suggests that mechanisms of parent-offspring recognition were established. Foster parents incurred certain costs, since their offspring had lower chances of survival than those in control broods. However, contrary to the ICH hypothesis, adoptees did not select foster broods in relation to the age of the resident chicks. Survival of wandering chicks was no higher than that of chicks who stayed in their natal brood. Results suggest that chicks move only as a response to neighboring chicks being fed by an adult, and in Audouin's gulls, adoptions might be considered reproductive errors.

scholarly journals Effect of body weight at first mating on reproductive performance of rabbit does

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Y. Ayo-Ajasa ◽  
L.T. Egbeyale ◽  
F. A. Adewole ◽  
D. A. Ekunseitan ◽  
O. A. Babalola
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Reproductive Parameters ◽  
Initial Body Weight ◽  
Average Birth Weight ◽  
Statistical Representation ◽  
T1 And T2 ◽  
Breeding Efficiency ◽  
Size At Birth

Eighteen mature nulliparous rabbit does with initial body weight between 1600g-2500g were used to evaluate the effect of body weight at first mating on reproductive performance of rabbit does. These rabbits were assigned into three treatments, with T1, T2 and T3 weighing (1600-1900), (1901-2200) and (2201-2500) respectively. The study lasted for 5weeks. The does were mated with buck at ratio 1:3. The reproductive parameters evaluated were number of does that kindled, litter size at birth, breeding efficiency, litter size at weaning, pre-weaning loss. All data collected were subjected to descriptive statistical representation. The highest number of kindled does was 5 in T2 and T3; T1 had the lowest number (3). Breeding efficiency of 83.33% was recorded in T1 and T2 while T3 had 50.00%. T3 had highest average birth weight (49.51g) and T2 had the least (41.51g); litter size at birth and weaning ranged from 18 -28kits and 15-24kits, respectively. T2 does recorded highest value in both parameters, T3 does recorded same value (28kits) for litter size at birth. Highest pre-weaning loss of 7kits was recorded from does in T3 while T1 and T2 recorded 4kits. It was therefore concluded that does with weight range 1901g – 2200g had better reproductive performance with highest breeding efficiency and lower pre-weaning loss.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document