The moose throat bot fly Cephenemyia ulrichii larvae (Diptera: Oestridae) found developing in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) for the first time

The roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) represents a spontaneous model of testicular inactivation: During winter, bucks show a suspension of spermatogenesis that starts again in spring and peaks during the breeding season (July–August). The underlying mechanisms to the regulation of the cyclic testicular changes are still not fully clear but seem to be imputable to the spermatogenic cell line since other testicular cell populations remain stable without apoptotic phenomena. The aim of the study was to investigate apoptosis, gelatinases (MMP2 and 9), their inhibiting factors (TIMP 1-2), and two isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF121 and 165) with its receptors (VEGFR1-2) in testes collected during pre- and post-rut periods, and to correlate them with testicular weight (TW) and testosterone (TEST). Testes from 18 adult sexually mature bucks were collected in Bologna Apennines (Italy). Samples were weighed and parenchyma collected. Radioimmunoassay, real-time PCR, and zymography were performed. The results showed a post-rut decrease in TW and TEST and an increase in proMMP2, also highlighting a correlation between the gelatinases and the testicular functionality. The VEGF pattern did not show modifications nor correlation with TW and TEST. Overall, gelatinases and their inhibitors, described herein for the first time in roe deer testes, seem to play an important role in the testicular cycle.

Download Full-text

Ticks on game animals in the fragmented agricultural landscape of western Poland

Parasitology Research ◽

10.1007/s00436-021-07132-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 120 (5) ◽

pp. 1781-1788

Author(s):

Olaf Ciebiera ◽

Andżelina Łopińska ◽

Grzegorz Gabryś

Keyword(s):

Cervus Elaphus ◽

Red Deer ◽

Agricultural Landscape ◽

Roe Deer ◽

Capreolus Capreolus ◽

Dermacentor Reticulatus ◽

Medical Problems ◽

Haemaphysalis Concinna ◽

First Time ◽

Game Animals

AbstractTicks (Acari: Ixodida) are well known external parasites of game animals that cause serious veterinary and medical problems. The occurrence and geographical distribution of different species of ticks in Western Poland have changed over the last decades. The purpose of the present study was to determine the species spectrum and prevalence of ticks parasitizing three species of game animals, the Eurasian wild boar Sus scrofa L., red deer Cervus elaphus L., and roe deer Capreolus capreolus (L.) in two hunting districts in Lubuskie Province. In addition, the distribution of ticks on the host’s body and the intensity of infestation were determined. Ticks were collected from dead animals during the hunting seasons in 2013 and 2014, over the periods from May to June and from August to December. In total, 286 specimens were examined: 138 Eurasian wild boars, 8 red deers, and 140 roe deers. Altogether, 1891 ticks were collected. Three species of ticks were determined: Ixodes ricinus (L.), Dermacentor reticulatus (Fabricius, 1794), and Haemaphysalis concinna (C.L. Koch, 1844). H. concinna was recorded for the first time in Lubuskie Province.

Download Full-text

Changes in the expression of selected antioxidative proteins in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) epididymis in different periods of the rutting season

Annals of Animal Science ◽

10.1515/aoas-2016-0052 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 423-431 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marek Lecewicz ◽

Anna Majewska ◽

Władysław Kordan ◽

Paweł Wysocki ◽

Magdalena Koziorowska-Gilun

Keyword(s):

Redox Reactions ◽

Roe Deer ◽

Capreolus Capreolus ◽

Secretory Activity ◽

Protective Role ◽

Glutathione S Transferase ◽

Biliverdin Reductase ◽

Antioxidative Function ◽

Protein Disulfide ◽

First Time

Abstract One of the factors determining the homeostasis of biological systems is the balance between the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activity of the antioxidative defence system. Regarding seasonal variations in secretory activity in different parts of roe buck’s (Capreolus capreolus) epididymis, the aim of present study was to compare the expression of selected antioxidative proteins in three periods of the rutting season. Using proteomics methods (2D PAGE , tandem mass spectrometry MS/MS) 5 antioxidative enzymes were identified for the first time in different segments of the epididymis of the roe buck. The highest expression of these enzymes was found in the rutting season. Findings indicated that the antioxidative function of the buck’s epididymis, regardless of the period of the rutting season, but particularly in the rutting season, is maintained mainly because of the presence of three conservative polypeptides: glutathione S-transferase (GST), protein disulfide isomerase A3 (PDIA3), and PDIA3 precursor. Moreover, a protective role against the harmful products of redox reactions is played during the discussed periods by peroxiredoxin-2 (PRDX2), identified in the cauda of the epididymis. In the tissue of the corpus and caput of the epididymis its expression was only found in the rutting season. The expression of biliverdin reductase A (BRVA ) in the epididymis was only observed in the rutting season.

Download Full-text

Enamel Thickness Differs between Field and Forest European Roe Deer Capreolus capreolus

Polish Journal of Ecology ◽

10.3161/15052249pje2020.68.1.009 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 68 (1) ◽

pp. 100

Author(s):

Jan Demesko ◽

Marta Kurek ◽

Patrycja Podlaszczuk ◽

Janusz Markowski

Keyword(s):

Roe Deer ◽

Capreolus Capreolus ◽

Enamel Thickness

Download Full-text

The modular organization of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) body during ontogeny: the effects of sex and habitat

Frontiers in Zoology ◽

10.1186/s12983-018-0283-8 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Svetlana Milošević-Zlatanović ◽

Tanja Vukov ◽

Srđan Stamenković ◽

Marija Jovanović ◽

Nataša Tomašević Kolarov

Keyword(s):

Roe Deer ◽

Capreolus Capreolus ◽

Modular Organization

Download Full-text

Testicular Melatonin and Its Pathway in Roe Deer Bucks (Capreolus capreolus) during Pre- and Post-Rut Periods: Correlation with Testicular Involution

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11071874 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 1874

Author(s):

Alberto Elmi ◽

Nadia Govoni ◽

Augusta Zannoni ◽

Martina Bertocchi ◽

Chiara Bernardini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Correlation Analysis ◽

Roe Deer ◽

Capreolus Capreolus ◽

Reproductive Activity ◽

Melatonin Receptors ◽

Local Synthesis ◽

Testicular Weight ◽

And Function ◽

Gene Expression Levels

Roe deer are seasonal breeders with a complete yearly testicular cycle. The peak in reproductive activity is recorded during summer, the rutting period, with the highest levels of androgens and testicular weight. Melatonin plays a pivotal role in seasonal breeders by stimulating the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonads axis and acting locally; in different species, its synthesis within testes has been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological melatonin pattern within roe deer testes by comparing data obtained from animals sampled during pre- and post-rut periods. Melatonin was quantified in testicular parenchyma, along with the genetic expression of enzymes involved in its local synthesis (AANAT and ASMT) and function (UCP1). Melatonin receptors, MT1-2, were quantified both at protein and gene expression levels. Finally, to assess changes in reproductive hormonal profiles, testicular dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was quantified and used for a correlation analysis. Melatonin and AANAT were detected in all samples, without significant differences between pre- and post-rut periods. Despite DHEA levels confirming testicular involution during the post-rut period, no correlations appeared between such involution and melatonin pathways. This study represents the first report regarding melatonin synthesis in roe deer testes, opening the way for future prospective studies in the physiology of this species.

Download Full-text

Morphometric and Molecular Analyses of Ostertagia leptospicularis Assadov, 1953 from Ruminants: Species Diversity or Host Influence?

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11010182 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 182

Author(s):

Anna Wyrobisz-Papiewska ◽

Jerzy Kowal ◽

Elżbieta Łopieńska-Biernat ◽

Paweł Nosal ◽

Iwona Polak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Host Species ◽

Roe Deer ◽

Bos Taurus ◽

Capreolus Capreolus ◽

Nematode Species ◽

Molecular Techniques ◽

Systematic Classification ◽

Morphological Variations ◽

Wide Range ◽

Induced Changes

Ostertagia leptospicularis Assadov, 1953 was formally described in roe deer Capreolus capreolus and has been reported in a wide range of ruminants, including other Cervidae, as well as Bovidae. Nematode specimens derived from various host species exhibit morphological similarity; however, some differences can be observed. It is unclear if this is due to the differential reaction of one nematode species in different host species (i.e., host-induced changes) or because of distinct nematode species in these hosts (i.e., species complex). This paper focuses on specimens resembling O. leptospicularis f. leptospicularis and its closely related species (Ostertagia ostertagi f. ostertagi) collected from various hosts. Morphometric and molecular techniques were applied to assess host-induced changes in nematode morphology and to clarify its systematic classification. There was an overall effect of host species on measurements of nematodes resembling O. leptospicularis (both males and females), but the distinctiveness of the specimens from cattle Bos taurus were highlighted. The results obtained may suggest that the specimens of O. leptospicularis from cattle in Germany and cervids in central Europe belong to different strains. Furthermore, nematodes from the cervid strain appear to circulate within particular host species, which can be seen in the stated morphological variations.

Download Full-text

Salmonella enterica Subsp. houtenae Associated with an Abscess in Young Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10060654 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 654

Author(s):

Adriana Trotta ◽

Laura Del Sambro ◽

Michela Galgano ◽

Stefano Ciccarelli ◽

Erika Ottone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Salmonella Enterica ◽

Roe Deer ◽

Capreolus Capreolus ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Resistance Pattern ◽

Salmonella Spp ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Biochemical Identification ◽

Salmonella Pathogenicity Islands ◽

Insight Into

Background: S. enterica subsp. houtenae has been rarely documented, and very limited genomic information is available. This report describes a rare case of primary extraintestinal salmonellosis in a young roe deer, associated with Salmonella enterica subsp. houtenae. Methods: A traditional cultural-based analysis was carried out from the contents of a neck abscess; biochemical identification and PCR assay were performed to isolate and identify the pathogen. Through whole-genome sequencing (WGS), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), core genome MLST (cgMLST), and the Salmonella pathogenicity islands (SPIs) survey, resistome and virulome genes were investigated to gain insight into the virulence and antimicrobial resistance of S. houtenae. Results: Biochemical identification and PCR confirmed the presence of Salmonella spp. in the swelling. The WGS analysis identified Salmonella enterica subspecies houtenae serovar 43:z4,z23:- and ST 958. The virulence study predicted a multidrug resistance pattern with resistance shown against aminoglycosides, tetracycline, beta-lactamase, fluoroquinolones, fosfomycin, nitroimidazole, aminocoumarin, and peptide. Fifty-three antibiotic-resistant genes were identified. No plasmids were detected. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of continuous surveillance of pathogenic salmonellae. Biomolecular analyses combined with epidemiological data can provide important information about poorly described Salmonella strains and can help to improve animal welfare.

Download Full-text