Seasonal Studies of Body Condition in Platypuses, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, Managed in Captivity at Healesville Sanctuary.

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 308
Author(s):  
D.L. McDonald ◽  
L. Fisk ◽  
B. Krueger
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Reproductive Status ◽  
Weight Changes ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
In Captivity

Platypuses at Healesville Sanctuary are managed so that the animals are physically examined on a daily basis before being allowed access to the display areas. This enables staff to monitor the health status of each animal by recording its weight and checking for any other physical abnormalities. Weights have been monitored for over ten years and the data presented here depicts seasonal changes and those associated with adaptation to a captive environment. Platypuses are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment and many wild platypuses do not adapt well to a captive environment. When platypuses are brought into the Sanctuary (whether for display purposes or due to injury) they are monitored on a daily basis for any weight changes and other obvious abnormalities. Monitoring of weight changes is continued on a daily basis throughout the captive life of the platypus to assess seasonal changes and any changes associated with reproductive status.

Seasonal changes in food selection and nutrition of captive platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Thomas ◽  
Kathrine A. Handasyde ◽  
Peter Temple-Smith ◽  
Marissa L. Parrott
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Food Items ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
Seasonal Factors ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Ad Libitum

Anecdotal observations of captive platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) suggest that they show a seasonal preference for particular foods, but this has never been rigorously measured. This study aimed to determine seasonal food preferences and energy consumption of captive platypuses so that better protocols for maintaining platypuses in captivity can be developed. Seven platypuses were fed an ad libitum diet with all food items weighed in and out of tanks. Food items were analysed for energy, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Platypuses preferred less mobile prey (mealworms, earthworms and fly pupae) over highly mobile prey (crayfish). There was no significant seasonal change in preference for different dietary items, which is more likely to be driven by prey behaviour. Crayfish contributed the largest percentage (mass) consumed and was highly nutritious. While the relative percentage of items in the diet did not change seasonally, the quantity eaten did. The mean energy intake of platypuses was 921 kJ kg–1 day–1 and varied seasonally, being lowest during the breeding season (810 kJ kg–1 day–1) and highest in the postbreeding season (1007 kJ kg–1 day–1). These changes were associated with preparation and recovery from the breeding season. We conclude that the platypus diet is influenced by nutrition and seasonal factors as well as by prey behaviour. This knowledge will contribute to improving the husbandry and management of platypuses, which are widely recognised as difficult to maintain in captivity.

scholarly journals Veterinary needs of dogs in two resource-limited communities in the Gauteng and North West provinces of South Africa

2001 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
W.N. Minnaar ◽  
R.C. Krecek
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Veterinary Services ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Deficient Diet ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Protein Deficient Diet

Information on the socioeconomic aspects and the health status of dogs in 2 resource-limited communities in the North West and Gauteng provinces of South Africa was gathered using semi-structured interviews and a standardised questionnaire. The dogs were examined clinically to determine their health status, and their body condition and age were scored. Most of the dogs (93 % in Jericho and 90 % in Zuurbekom) were infected with hookworm, which poses a threat to animal and human health in the 2 study areas. Many dogs were also being given a protein-deficient diet, which together with hookworm parasites would impact considerably on the dog's health. Dogs were mainly kept for security reasons. The need indicated to be most important by the residents of the 2 commnities was a lack of available and affordable veterinary services.

Body condition and reproductive status in sticklebacks exposed to a single wave of Schistocephalus solidus infection

1996 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 483-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. F. Tierney ◽  
F. A. Huntingford ◽  
D. W. T. Crompton
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Status ◽  
Single Wave ◽  
Schistocephalus Solidus

The effect of long-term administration of bovine somatotrophin on the performance of dairy heifers during their first lactation

1988 ◽  
Vol 1988 ◽  
pp. 2-2 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.F. Butterwick ◽  
P. Rowlinson ◽  
T.E.C. Weekes ◽  
D.S. Parker ◽  
D.G. Armstrong
Keyword(s):  
Milk Yield ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Reproductive Status ◽  
Bovine Somatotropin ◽  
Buffer Solution ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Term Administration

The objectives of the trial were to Investigate the effects of long-term administration of bovine somatotropin (BST) from week 2 and 10 post-partumn on the yields of milk, milk components, body weight, body condition, health and reproductive status during the first lactation of dairy heifers.19 Friesian dairy cows in their first lactation were allocated at calving to one of 3 treatments: Daily subcutaneous Injection of recomblnantly derived bovine somatotropin (25 mg/d) from either week 2 (BST2;n=6) or week 10 (BST10;n=6) of lactation, or injection of buffer solution from week 2 of lactation (C;n=7). Treatments continued until week 42 of lactation, or until 60 days prior to predicted calving date, if this occurred before week 42 of lactation. Initially cows were housed in cubicles and fed ad libitum individually through calan doors, on a diet of concentrate and grass silage (Table 1) on a 60:40 dry matter ratio. In approximately mid-lactation cows were turned out to grass but continued to receive concentrates according to milk yield and body condition. Milk yield was recorded daily and milk composition twice weekly as were live weight and body condition. Health and reproductive status were monitored over the lactation.

Modification of Stereotypic Behaviour in Captive Platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus).

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 307
Author(s):  
D.L McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Normal Activity ◽  
Light Level ◽  
Housing Conditions ◽  
Circling Behaviour ◽  
Difficult Situation ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Stereotypic Behaviour ◽  
Time Spent Feeding

Stereotypy is a characteristic occasionally observed in captive animals. This behaviour is regularly associated with animal housing conditions that deviate fundamentally from the species' natural environment. In addition to the detrimental affect it may have on the associated animal, it creates a difficult situation for the public in understanding the presentation of animals in captivity. In April 1996, modification to the platypus exhibit at Healesville Sanctuary resulted in an increased level of light being deflected onto the glass of the shallow tank exhibit. This change in the housing conditions coincided with repetitive circling behaviour by the female platypus and avoidance activity by the male platypus. In addition, the proportion of time spent feeding by the female platypus was reduced. Modification of the exhibit furniture did not significantly alter the female's behaviour. A reduction in the light level being deflected onto the tank resulted in an immediate reduction in the circling behaviour observed for the female. The male resumed free swimming and utilisation of the entire tank. Within two weeks all stereotypic behaviour had ceased and the two platypuses had resumed normal activity patterns.

Hair cortisol concentration in pre‐ and postpartum dairy cows, and its association with body condition, hock health, and reproductive status

2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (8) ◽  
pp. 924-931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natsumi Endo ◽  
Tomoya Kitamura ◽  
Mitsuyuki Okubo ◽  
Tomomi Tanaka
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Cortisol Concentration ◽  
Reproductive Status ◽  
Hair Cortisol

Do windbreaks minimize stress on cattle grazing foothill winter range?

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. E. Olson ◽  
R. T. Wallander ◽  
J. A. Paterson
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Stress Response ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Backfat Thickness ◽  
Weight Changes ◽  
Northern Latitudes ◽  
Cell Mediated Immune Response ◽  
Body Condition Scores

Cattle often graze foothill rangelands in northern latitudes as a cost-effective alternative to being fed hay. In a 2-yr study, we determined whether exposure to winter wind elicits a stress response in pregnant cows (5–7 yr old) grazing a foothill rangeland. We measured several indicators of stress-response of cows which had (windbreak) or did not have (non-windbreak) access to windbreaks. In Winter 1 (1966–1997), backfat thickness increased on windbreak and non-wind-break cattle. Body condition scores of both groups were lower at the end of the trial. In Winter 2 (1997–1998), backfat thickness decreased for windbreak and non-windbreak cattle. Body condition scores did not change. Weight changes were minor both winters. Changes in backfat thickness indicated that cattle in Winter 1 were catabolizing more lean muscle tissue, whereas cattle in Winter 2 were catabolizing more fat. Cattle entered Winter 1 in lower body condition and mass than in Winter 2. Cattle with access to windbreaks tended to have a stronger cell-mediated immune response than non-windbreak cattle. Birth and weaning weights of calves, and calving interval were similar for windbreak and non-windbreak cattle. Neither winter elicited a strong stress response from cattle grazing this foothill rangeland, with or without access to windbreaks. Key words: Beef cattle, backfat, body condition, weight loss, immune response

A study on Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) emphasising breeding season and feeding behaviour in captivity

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junaid Naseer ◽  
Khalid Mahmood Anjum ◽  
Muhammad Asif Munir ◽  
Muhammad Awais Nazir ◽  
Muhammad Zubair Yousaf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Faecal Analysis ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Pavo Cristatus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Dietary Components ◽  
Sand And Gravel

Present research was planned to evaluate the breeding and feeding behaviour of Indian peafowl reared in captivity at Zoological Gardens of Government and Private Sector. For feeding behaviour, a total of fifty pairs (n=100) of Pavo cristatus at both Government Zoological Gardens (n=25pairs) and Private Sectors (n=25pairs) were observed on daily basis. The breeding season of Indian peafowl is not fixed but mostly it breeds in rainy season from April to August. It was observed that most of birds at Government Zoological Gardens breed in month of May, while most of birds at Private Sectors breed in the month of August. For feeding behaviour a total of 200 faecal samples per week were collected for six weeks, out of which 100 samples per week were randomly selected for further analysis. Faecal analysis technique showed that dietary components of Indian peafowl were covered by plant contents following by animal sources. Among the plants components grass seeds were predominant followed by dicotyledon and fruits with least portion of monocotyledons. Among animal components, ants, grasshopper, earthworms, spider and unidentified bones were present. Faecal analysis indicated the presence of some non-food items such as sand and gravel.

scholarly journals Seasonal changes in size, sex-ratio and body condition of the damselfishChromis chromisin the central Mediterranean Sea

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 1053-1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Bracciali ◽  
Susanna Piovano ◽  
Gianluca Sarà ◽  
Cristina Giacoma
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
Rocky Shores ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Monthly Basis ◽  
Spawning Period

Chromis chromisis one of the most abundant fish species on the Mediterranean rocky shores. Acting as a by-pass of nutrients from the pelagic to the rocky littoral system, it plays an important role as a resource provider and has a relevant function in the community assemblage.Chromis chromishas many of the characteristics required of an indicator species (e.g. it is easy to recognize in the field, small sized, widespread and abundant). In this study we focused on individual size, sex-ratio and body condition in a damselfish population occurring in a central Mediterranean marine protected area. Fishing trials on a monthly basis (April–November) allowed us to assess seasonal changes in population structure. Fish were measured and weighed and a subsample was aged and sexed. On average, males were larger than females. The allometric coefficient,b, for the whole population was 2.99; the maximum age recorded was 7.5 yr. Before reproduction sex-ratio was close to parity (M:F 1:0.78), while a larger proportion of females was captured during the reproductive period. In conclusion, our results show that the population dynamics ofC. chromisis influenced by both sex and size. Since males and females have different behavioural strategies, and since the length of the spawning period is shorter in the smaller than in the larger-sized individuals, this is reflected in temporal changes observed in the population structure.

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