Infection prevalence and absence of positive correlation between avian haemosporidian parasites, mass and body condition in the Cape Weaver Ploceus capensis

Ostrich ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Schultz ◽  
Les G Underhill ◽  
Roy A Earlé ◽  
George Underhill
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites

scholarly journals The effect of ewe body condition at lambing on growth of lambs and colostral specific gravity

2016 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferda Karakuş ◽  
Metin Atmaca
Keyword(s):  
Specific Gravity ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Moderate Positive Correlation

Abstract. This study was carried out on 60 Norduz ewes to determine the effect of ewe body condition at lambing on growth of lambs and colostral specific gravity. Body condition score (BCS), ranging from 2.5 to 3.5, had no effect on lamb live weight at birth, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of age (P  >  0.05). The average colostral specific gravity determined as 1.049 was not affected by body condition of ewes. A moderate positive correlation (r  =  0.436) was observed between condition score and live weight of ewes (P  <  0.001). The results of this study suggest that BCS is not a reliable estimator of live weight for Norduz ewes.

scholarly journals FACTORS AFFECTING TEMPERAMENT IN BUNAJI AND FRIESIAN-BUNAJI CROSSBRED CATTLE

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 43-48
Author(s):  
B. Y. ABUBAKAR ◽  
O. O. ONI ◽  
A. E. O. MALAU-ADULI
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Regression Equations ◽  
Crossbred Cattle ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Hot Dry Season

The influence of breed, sex, season, age, liveweight and body condition on temperament scores was investigated. All variables, except age, had a significant (P<.05) effect on temperament. Progeny of crossbred dams had lower temperament than those of purebred bunaji dams. Female animals had higher temperament and so also were animals with better body condition, Temperament was lowest in the hot, dry season. Phenotypic correlations between measurements of temperament were positive and significant (P<.05), with vigour of movement having the highest correlation with the overall temperament score. Live Weight was negatively correlated with temperament while there was a positive correlation between temperament and body condition. Regression equations for predicting overall temperament using vigour of movement are presented. 

Body Mass, Wing Length, and Condition of Wintering Ducks Relative to Hematozoa Infection

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph P. Fleskes ◽  
Andrew M. Ramey ◽  
Andrew B. Reeves ◽  
Julie L. Yee
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Wing Length ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Central Valley ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Body Condition Index ◽  
Northern Pintail

Abstract Waterfowl managers lack information regarding factors that may be reducing the positive response of waterfowl body condition to habitat improvements. Protozoan blood parasites (i.e., hematozoa) are commonly found in birds and have been related to reduced body mass, wing length, and body condition. We studied relationships between 12 measures of hematozoa infection and body mass, wing length, and body mass divided by wing length (i.e., body condition index) of the five most common duck species (northern pintail [Anas acuta], mallard [A. platyrhynchos], green-winged teal [A. crecca], American wigeon [A. americana], northern shoveler [A. clypeata]) wintering in the Central Valley of California during October 2006–January 2007. After accounting for variation due to species, age–sex cohort, Central Valley region, and month, wing length, body mass, and body condition index were found to be negatively related to infection by Leucocytozoon and by “any hematozoa” but not related to infection by only Plasmodium or Haemoproteus, or coinfections of greater than one genus or parasite haplotype (albeit few ducks had Plasmodium or Haemoproteus infection or coinfections). Evidence of a negative relationship with infection was stronger for body mass and body condition index than for wing length and indicated that the relationships varied among species, age–sex cohorts, regions, and months. Compared with uninfected ducks, hematozoa-infected duck body mass, wing length, and body condition index was −1.63% (85% CI = −2.79% to −0.47%), −0.12% (−0.41% to 0.17%), and −1.38% (−2.49% to −0.26%), respectively. Although seemingly small, the −1.63% difference in body mass represents a large percentage (e.g., 38% for northern pintail) of the observed increase in wintering duck body mass associated with Central Valley habitat improvements. Because infection prevalence and relationship to body condition might change over time because of climate or other factors, tracking hematozoa infection prevalence might be important to inform and accurately assess the effect of conservation programs designed to improve waterfowl body condition.

scholarly journals Seasonal Dynamics and Diversity of Haemosporidians in a Natural Woodland Bird Community in Slovakia

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 439
Author(s):  
Alžbeta Šujanová ◽  
Eva Špitalská ◽  
Radovan Václav
Keyword(s):  
Infection Intensity ◽  
Bird Community ◽  
Avian Species ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Avian Community ◽  
Local Diversity ◽  
Parasite Richness ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Community Infection

Despite the ubiquity of disease seasonality, mechanisms behind the fluctuations in seasonal diseases are still poorly understood. Avian hemosporidiosis is increasingly used as a model for ecological and evolutionary studies on disease dynamics, but the results are complex, depending on the focus (hosts, parasites, vectors) and scale (individuals, community, populations) of the study. Here, we examine the local diversity of haemosporidian parasites and the seasonal patterns of infections, parasite richness, and diversity in a natural woodland bird community in Slovakia. In 35 avian species, we detected 111, including 19 novel, haemosporidian cytochrome b lineages. The highest numbers of lineages were detected during spring and autumn, corresponding with higher avian species richness and infection prevalence in the avian community during these periods of time. Nevertheless, the haemosporidian community in the local breeders in summer was relatively stable, Haemoproteus lineages dominated in the local avian haemosporidian community, and only few parasite lineages were abundant within each genus. While prevailing Leucocytozoon infections in spring suggest that the majority of sampled birds wintered in the Mediterranean region, Plasmodium infections in spring can be due to relapses in reproductively active short-distance migrants. Multiple haemosporidian infections, both intra- and inter-generic ones, were common in the local avian community. Infection intensity peaked during summer and tended to be higher in older birds, pointing to the role of supressed immunity in reproductively active birds.

Analysis of variables associated with the Ichthyophonus hoferi epizootics in Norwegian spring spawning herring, 1992–2008

2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (11) ◽  
pp. 1862-1873 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Kramer-Schadt ◽  
Jens Christian Holst ◽  
Dankert Skagen
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Disease Ecology ◽  
Infected Fish ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Migration Routes ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
The Individual

We present a long-term study of epizootics in a migratory fish species that shows major advancements in our understanding of marine disease ecology. On the individual macroscopic level, Ichthyophonus hoferi infections in herring significantly reduced body condition (p < 0.01) and reproductive capacity (gonad weight, p < 0.001). Infection prevalence increased with age (p < 0.001, R adj2  = 0.71). Prevalence in the catches strongly depended on target school size and was thus higher in trawl catches. We found strong seasonality in infection prevalence within years, with peaks in summer and winter. Summer peaks spatially formed an “infectious belt” off the west coast of Norway, consisting of infected fish unable to follow the migration routes to the feeding grounds. Prevalence varied also between years (p ≤ 0.001). Since 1992, it had declined from stock prevalence levels of 10%, down to almost extinction, with another major peak in 1999. The annual peaks could best be associated with strong year classes (Pearson’s r = 0.56), a good overall body condition (r = 0.86), and plastic wintering behaviour.

scholarly journals Baseline studies on the health of marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) populations from Argentina: laying the grounds for an improved interpretation of mortality episodes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Marcela Orozco ◽  
Hernán D. Argibay ◽  
Leonardo Minatel ◽  
Eliana C. Guillemi ◽  
Yanina Berra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Fasciola Hepatica ◽  
Multiple Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Trypanosoma Evansi ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Amblyomma Triste ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Blastocerus Dichotomus ◽  
Health Parameters

Abstract Background: The comprehensive approach to diseases in broad ecological contexts appears as a new challenge for global health and draws on baseline studies to detect changes in the occurrence of pathogens over time. Marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) mortality episodes were described in Argentina and several pathogens associated with environmental and eco-epidemiological factors were indicated as risk factors. To date, the lack of basic health information on these populations has hampered interpretation of findings. This study aimed to provide baseline data on health parameters in marsh deer populations from Argentina. Results: Between May 2014 and December 2016 we determined health parameters in 44 marsh deer with different body condition scores, and studied the pathological lesions in dead animals. Marsh deer with poor body condition had a high burden of the ticks Amblyomma triste and Rhipicephalus microplus. Vector borne agents (VBAs), such as Theileria cervi. Trypanosoma theileri, Trypanosoma evansi, Ehrlichia chaffeensis, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma odocoilei, Anaplasma marginale, and Candidatus Anaplasma boolense were also found. Haemonchus spp, Ostertagia spp., Trichostrongylus spp. showed the highest infection prevalence. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis suggested a possible association of i) lower body score condition with high tick loads and infection with VBAs and, ii) the impoverished body score with high loads of nemathelminths and well-known harmful gastrointestinal parasites. Conclusions: Our results contribute with knowledge on the life history and health aspects of marsh deer in the study areas. We provide data on the prevalent infectious and parasitic agents in their populations. A range of haematology and serum chemistryvalues, and the occurrence of Fasciola hepatica and Leptospira interrogans serovar pyrogenes were reported for the first time in wild marsh deer from Argentina. The histopathological findings in succumbed animals allowed us to recognize injuries associated or not with their body condition. Our results are the first step in the creation of a baseline on marsh deer health in Argentina. In the future, these data added to new contributions could help improve the interpretation of the findings during mortality events.

Blood parasite infection linked to condition of spring-migrating Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)

2018 ◽  
Vol 96 (10) ◽  
pp. 1145-1152 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Merrill ◽  
J.M. Levengood ◽  
J.C. England ◽  
J.M. Osborn ◽  
H.M. Hagy
Keyword(s):  
Body Fat ◽  
Reproductive Output ◽  
Parasite Infection ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasite ◽  
Aythya Affinis ◽  
Lesser Scaup ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
The Impact

Numerous organisms exhibit carry-over effects, in which previous environmental conditions impact current performance. For example, reproductive output for many migratory birds can be impacted by events during the preceding migration. Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis (Eyton, 1838); hereafter scaup) declined dramatically during 1970s–2000s, and there is evidence linking reduced reproductive output to reduced body condition during spring migration. In addition to food availability and quality, haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium spp., Haemoproteus spp.) may be associated with condition of spring-migrating birds. We examined whether haemosporidian parasite infection status was linked to measures of size (mass, wing length, tarsus length, and keel length) and condition (body fat, size-corrected mass, wing-loading) in female spring-migrating scaup. Infection prevalence varied by year (21.7% in 2014; 47.1% in 2015) and percent body fat was negatively associated with the probability of infection. Body fat levels declined from 2014 to 2015, but at a similar rate for infected and uninfected birds. This pattern suggests that the increased prevalence in 2015 may have been related to the greater proportion of poor-condition birds being more susceptible to infection or recrudescence of latent infections. In light of forecasted range shifts and expansions of avian malaria vectors, the impact of haemosporidian parasites on migratory waterfowl condition warrants further investigation.

scholarly journals Pelvic and Testicular Biometry of Sahel Goats in Maiduguri, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
A. Abba ◽  
A. R. Mustapha ◽  
U. M. Bamanga ◽  
D. Iliyasu ◽  
I. D. Peter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Significant Positive Correlation ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
The Body ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Breeding Soundness

This study was carried out to document the pelvic and testicular biometric characteristics of Sahel goats. Record of body weight, body condition score, height at withers, scrotal length, scrotal circumference and external pelvic circumference were obtained from 400 male and 600 female Sahel goats. All the goats were approximately 1.5 years old and weighing 14 to 18 kg, with body condition score of 3 or 4 (scale of 1-5). The mean bodyweight of Sahel bucks was 15.12 ± 1.10 kg while that of Sahel does was 13.22 ± 1.12 kg, height at withers in bucks and does were 52.22 ± 1.20 cm, and 48.13 ± 1.23 cm respectively. The scrotal length and circumference in Sahel bucks were 11.39 ± 1.12 cm and 17.95 ± 1.21 cm respectively. The external pelvic circumference in Sahel does was 55.13 ± 1.16 cm. There was significant (P<0.05) positive correlation between the body weight and body condition score in bucks (r=0.52) and in does (r=0.42). It was observed that there was weak but positive correlation between the body weight and height at withers (r=0.34), in bucks and in does (r=0.25; P <0.5). A low but significant positive correlation was found between the body weight and scrotal circumference r=0.28, (P<0.05) in bucks. There was a highsignificant positive correlation between the scrotal length and scrotal circumference r=0.66, (P <0.05).  The external pelvic circumference in Sahel does was also significantly positively correlated with body weight r=0.40, (P<0.05) and with the body condition score r= 0.33, (P<0.05). In conclusion, the body weight, body condition score, height at withers, scrotal length, scrotal circumference and external pelvic circumference of Sahel goats in Maiduguri were successfully determined, these parameters studied might serve as a bases for determining the breeding soundness of Sahel goats.

scholarly journals A functional approach to the body condition assessment of lactating donkeys as a tool for welfare evaluation

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e3001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuela Valle ◽  
Federica Raspa ◽  
Marzia Giribaldi ◽  
Raffaella Barbero ◽  
Stefania Bergagna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Principal Component Analysis ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Component Analysis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Abdominal Circumference ◽  
Body Measurements ◽  
Positive Correlation

BackgroundThe breeding of lactating donkeys is increasing in Western Europe; with it the evaluation of body condition is growing in importance since it is considered a key principle for their welfare. However, assessment of body condition is a complex task, since several factors are involved. The aim of the present study is to investigate which animal-based indicators are the most reliable to describe the body condition of lactating donkeys. For this purpose, new animal-based indicators, which are easy to measure in field conditions (including body measurements, fatty neck score (FNS), dental score), are recorded and their relationship with BCS (a proxy measure for overall adiposity) was assessed. The ones that reveal an association with the BCS are included in an integrated principal component analysis to understand which are the most related to BCS.MethodsFifty-three healthy lactating donkeys of various breeds, including 7 Martina Franca, 10 Ragusano, 2 Romagnolo and 34 crossbreeds, were evaluated. The animal-based indicators that were recorded were: length (OP, olecranon tuber-pinbone and SH, shoulder-hip), heart girth (HG), abdominal circumference (AC), neck length (NL), neck height (NH) and neck thickness (NT) at 0.50 and neck circumference (NC) at 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75, body condition score (BCS) and fatty neck score (FNS). The owners’ evaluation of the BCS was also considered. A dental assessment was performed and the month of lactation and age of each animal was recorded.ResultsNo correlation was found between BCS and the other morphometric body measurements. On the contrary the FNS was correlated with the morphometric measurements of the neck (positive correlation to 0.50 NH and 0.50 NT, 0.50 NC, 0.75 mean NC, and negative correlation to the mean NC:NH and mean NC:NT, 0.50 NC:NT and 0.50 NC:NH ratios). A significant inverse relationship was identified between BCS and dental score. A Principal Component analysis (PCA) separated the BCS classes on the first principal component (PC1). PC1 revealed a meaningful positive correlation between the BCS and the neck measurements (NT, NH and FNS), with high positive loadings, while a negative correlation was found for dental abnormalities. The owners’ evaluation of BCS was different from the expert evaluator’ assessment, since they tended to give higher score that was slightly but significantly correlated to AC.DiscussionA new scoring system, called Fatty Neck Score (FNS), has been proposed for the judgement of the adiposity status of donkey neck. The results suggest that caregivers might use the proposed animal based indicators (BCS, FNS and dental scores) together as a tool for the evaluation of the body condition of lactating donkeys. Our findings highlight that caregivers need to be trained in order to be able to properly record these indicators. Ultimately use of these indicators may help to improve the welfare of lactating donkeys.

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