Investigating individual and social behaviour of the Northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita): behavioural variety and welfare

The Northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita) (NBI) is one of the most threatened birds in the world. Intense conservation efforts have been undertaken and several research projects on the species are being done in Morocco and in Europe. Observing animal behaviour has been proved to be an efficient and non-invasive technique to assess the animal welfare, with the performance of a wide array of natural behaviours being one of the mostly used indicators of good mental and physical well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the behaviour of a flock of 14 zoo-living NBI of different ages. The study focused on the variety of species-specific individual and social behaviours, in the light of reintroduction of the study juveniles in the wild. Per subject, 20 10-min. sessions were done. A continuous focal animal sampling method was used to collect individual and social behaviours. Behavioural data have been compared between adults and juveniles. Moreover, a Behavioural Variety Index (BVI) has been proposed and calculated based on previous literature describing natural ibis behaviours. The BVI might help in the evaluation of the variety of behaviours performed by each individual and the monitoring of the diversity of the behavioural repertoire of zoo animals. Our results showed that the birds performed species-specific behaviours and no abnormal behaviour was reported. Moreover, the BVI highlighted a good behavioural variety as each bird performed approximately 78% of the natural behaviours described in the Northern bald ibis and in close relative species. Our findings seem to suggest the presence of qualitative and quantitative similarities between the behavioural repertoires of the study ibises and those described in wild conspecifics, suggesting a good welfare of the colony. Finally, the BVI proposed in the current study seems to be a useful and practical tool to test behavioural diversity in zoo animals.

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Measuring Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites to Assess Adrenocortical Activity in Reindeer

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9110987 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 987

Author(s):

Şeyda Özkan Gülzari ◽

Grete Helen Meisfjord Jørgensen ◽

Svein Morten Eilertsen ◽

Inger Hansen ◽

Snorre Bekkevold Hagen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stress Responses ◽

Dna Analysis ◽

Stress Hormones ◽

Invasive Technique ◽

Animal Conservation ◽

Adrenocortical Activity ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites ◽

Faecal Samples ◽

Species Specific

Several non-invasive methods for assessing stress responses have been developed and validated for many animal species. Due to species-specific differences in metabolism and excretion of stress hormones, methods should be validated for each species. The aim of this study was to conduct a physiological validation of an 11-oxoaetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for measuring faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) in male reindeer by administration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH; intramuscular, 0.25 mg per animal). A total of 317 samples were collected from eight male reindeer over a 44 h period at Tverrvatnet in Norway in mid-winter. In addition, 114 samples were collected from a group of reindeer during normal handling and calf marking at Stjernevatn in Norway. Following ACTH injection, FCM levels (median and range) were 568 (268–2415) ng/g after two hours, 2718 (414–8550) ng/g after seven hours and 918 (500–6931) ng/g after 24 h. Levels were significantly higher from seven hours onwards compared to earlier hours (p < 0.001). The FCM levels at Stjernevatn were significantly (p < 0.001) different before (samples collected zero to two hours; median: 479 ng/g) and after calf marking (eight to ten hours; median: 1469 ng/g). Identification of the faecal samples belonging to individual animals was conducted using DNA analysis across time. This study reports a successful validation of a non-invasive technique for measuring stress in reindeer, which can be applied in future studies in the fields of biology, ethology, ecology, animal conservation and welfare.

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Effects of scent enrichment on behavioural and physiological indicators of stress in zoo primates – a preliminary study on red-ruffed lemurs and Lar gibbons

10.1101/2020.08.21.260679 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Stefano Vaglio ◽

Stefano S. K. Kaburu ◽

Christopher Young ◽

Richard Pearce ◽

Sarah Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breeding Success ◽

Captive Breeding ◽

Well Being ◽

Critically Endangered ◽

Primate Species ◽

Physiological Indicators ◽

Varecia Rubra ◽

In The Wild ◽

Preliminary Study ◽

Species Specific

AbstractAlmost half of the primate species recognized today worldwide are classified as endangered or critically endangered in the wild. Captive breeding is vital for primate conservation, with modern zoos serving a crucial role as breeders of populations acting as buffers against extinction, ambassadors of endangered species, and educators of the general public. However, captive populations may experience welfare issues that may also undermine their breeding success. In order to design and test a new scent enrichment programme to enhance the breeding success and well-being of critically endangered zoo primates, we carried out a preliminary study to assess the effects of lavender on captive red-ruffed lemurs (Varecia rubra) and Lar gibbons (Hylobates lar) as these species presently show a low success rate in captive breeding and are critically endangered in the wild. We combined behavioural observations and faecal endocrinology analyses to assess the effects of lavender on two captive troops (N = 8) housed at Dudley Zoo and Castle (UK). We recorded observations of natural species-specific and abnormal stress-related behaviours for 144 hr using instantaneous scan sampling. We collected 78 faecal samples and measured the faecal cortisol concentrations using radioimmunoassay. We found a significant effect by the scent enrichment on social interactions and stress-related behaviours (i.e., pacing and self-scratching), with both species reducing their rates of stress-related behaviours after they were exposed to lavender. We also found that both species displayed a significant increase in faecal glucocorticoids following the exposure to lavender. Our findings suggest that lavender may work as scent enrichment to decrease the stress levels of zoo primates across the major lineages, but its effects might change depending on the species-specific social lives and olfactory repertoires of primates.

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How to be a great dad: parental care in a flock of greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.3404 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. e3404 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Camillo Sandri ◽

Vittoria Vallarin ◽

Carolina Sammarini ◽

Barbara Regaiolli ◽

Alessandra Piccirillo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parental Care ◽

Bird Species ◽

Social Needs ◽

Ex Situ ◽

Nest Protection ◽

Zoo Animals ◽

In The Wild ◽

Species Specific ◽

Greater Flamingos

In the last years, studies on captive greater flamingos have increased. Research on zoo animals is important to improve the knowledge on these species and to improve their ex-situ and in-situ conservation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the parental behaviour of a captive colony of greater flamingo hosted at Parco Natura Viva, an Italian zoological garden, to improve the knowledge on this species in zoos. In particular, the present study investigated and compared the parental care of females and males in 35 breeding pairs of greater flamingos. For each pair, we collected durations of parental care behaviour of both females and males, recording their position in relation to the nest (near the nest, on the nest, away from the nest) and individual and social behaviours performed. First, both partners were involved in parental care and displayed species-specific behaviours reported in the wild. The main results were that males spent more time than females on the nest (P = 0.010) and near it (P = 0.0001) and were more aggressive toward other flamingos than females, both when sitting on the nest (P = 0.003) and when near the nest (P = 0.0003). Therefore, male flamingos seem to be more involved in incubation duties and nest protection than females. This kind of research is important not only to expand the knowledge on bird species such as flamingos, but also to improve their husbandry and breeding in controlled environment. Indeed, understanding animal behaviour allows us to gain insights into their individual and social needs, addressing potential animal welfare issues.

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Non-invasive determination of fecal steroid hormones relating to conservation practice in giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Animal Biology ◽

10.1163/157075511x584263 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 61 (3) ◽

pp. 335-347 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Liang-Liang Yang ◽

Qiang Zhang ◽

Xing-Fang Ge ◽

Xue-Lin Jin ◽

De-Fu Hu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Steroid Hormones ◽

Giant Panda ◽

Physiological Stress ◽

Sex Ratios ◽

Well Being ◽

Ailuropoda Melanoleuca ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Fecal Steroid ◽

Fecal Cortisol ◽

In The Wild

AbstractThe endangered giant panda is the flagship species of wildlife conservation, a status that results in heightened attention to their well-being. However, one factor that hinders the ability to monitor this species in the wild is the difficulty to measure relevant physiological parameters which quantify the survival status in conservation research. In this study, we employed a non-invasive sampling method and immunochemical assays to determine if measurement of fecal steroid hormones is a viable option in monitoring the sex ratios and stress levels of a giant panda population. The results indicate that 1) the yearly concentration of fecal testosterone is a possible biomarker for distinguishing gender, and 2) invasive methods of artificial insemination and semen collection as well as parturition, cause an increase in fecal cortisol concentration. This study suggests that the noninvasive sampling of feces can be a practical tool to monitor physiological stress in free-ranging and fenced giant panda populations, and could be useful in the forthcoming giant panda census in determining sex ratios in the wild.

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The accuracy of non-invasive 3D-CT virtual bronchoscopy technique in comparison with invasive technique

International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries ◽

10.24911/ijmdc.51-1538516450 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

Basmah Altuwayjiri

Keyword(s):

Invasive Technique ◽

Virtual Bronchoscopy ◽

3D Ct ◽

Non Invasive

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USING DOPPLER TO ASSESS THE FETAL HEALTH FOR THE PREDICTION OF GESTATIONAL OUTCOME

Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy ◽

10.34071/jmp.2014.4_5.1 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 9-18

Author(s):

Thi Linh Giang Truong ◽

Vu Quoc Huy Nguyen

Keyword(s):

Middle Cerebral Artery ◽

Cerebral Artery ◽

Umbilical Artery ◽

Functional Method ◽

Invasive Technique ◽

Routine Practice ◽

Fetal Health ◽

Uterine Arteries ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Key Words Doppler

Background: Assessment of fetal health plays the most important role in prenatal care because of influence of the prediction of gestational outcome. One of the main aims of routine antenatal care is to identify the ‘ at risk ‘ fetus in order to apply clinical interventions which could results in reduced perinatal morbidity and mortality. Doppler ultrasound is a non invasive technique whereby the movement of blood is studied by detecting the change in frequence of reflected sound, Doppler blood flow velocity waves form of fetal side (umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery ...) and maternal side ( uterine arteries) are discussed and monograms for routine practice are presented. Recently this method is important tool for qualifying high risk pregnancies and help early forecasts the health of the babies and mothers disorder. Doppler sonography in obstetrics is a widely accepted functional method of examining the prediction of gestational outcome. Key words: Doppler, umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, uterine arteries

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The Use of Sonography in Pediatrics: The Bioethical Concerns in Clinical and Research Practice

Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography ◽

10.1177/87564793211035045 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 875647932110350

Author(s):

Nicole Weikle

Keyword(s):

Clinical Setting ◽

Imaging Modality ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Well Being ◽

Ethical Principles ◽

Pediatric Care ◽

Research Practice ◽

Ethical Guidelines ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Clinical Pediatric

Sonography has been widely used in both a clinical and non-clinical setting. This imaging modality is a common tool of choice for both physicians and researchers. Although sonography is a non-ionizing and non-invasive tool for imaging, special considerations need to be made when working with the pediatric population. Ethical guidelines for clinical pediatric care and research need to consider the varying ethical guidelines and bioethical concerns in children. As sonographers, researchers, educators and clinicians, pediatric care and research must balance the protection of children and the need for imaging to improve pediatric well-being. The discussion of this paper will delve into The Principles Approach developed by Beauchamp and Childress. Each principle will be explored and how those ethical principles could be considered in pediatric care.

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Non-invasive technique for real-time myocardial infarction detection using faster R-CNN

Multimedia Tools and Applications ◽

10.1007/s11042-021-10957-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

H. M. Mohan ◽

P. V. Rao ◽

H. C. Shivaraj Kumara ◽

S. Manasa

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Real Time ◽

Invasive Technique ◽

Non Invasive

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Thermal Liquid Biopsy (TLB) Focused on Benign and Premalignant Pancreatic Cyst Diagnosis

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm11010025 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 25

Author(s):

Sonia Hermoso-Durán ◽

Guillermo García-Rayado ◽

Laura Ceballos-Laita ◽

Carlos Sostres ◽

Sonia Vega ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Liquid Biopsy ◽

Pancreatic Cyst ◽

Point Of View ◽

Invasive Technique ◽

Background Current ◽

Interesting Point ◽

Pancreatic Lesion ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Patient Diagnosis ◽

New Biomarkers

Background: Current efforts in the identification of new biomarkers are directed towards an accurate differentiation between benign and premalignant cysts. Thermal Liquid Biopsy (TLB) has been previously applied to inflammatory and tumor diseases and could offer an interesting point of view in this type of pathology. Methods: In this work, twenty patients (12 males and 8 females, average ages 62) diagnosed with a pancreatic cyst benign (10) and premalignant (10) cyst lesions were recruited, and biological samples were obtained during the endoscopic ultrasonography procedure. Results: Proteomic content of cyst liquid samples was studied and several common proteins in the different groups were identified. TLB cyst liquid profiles reflected protein content. Also, TLB serum score was able to discriminate between healthy and cysts patients (71% sensitivity and 98% specificity) and between benign and premalignant cysts (75% sensitivity and 67% specificity). Conclusions: TLB analysis of plasmatic serum sample, a quick, simple and non-invasive technique that can be easily implemented, reports valuable information on the observed pancreatic lesion. These preliminary results set the basis for a larger study to refine TLB serum score and move closer to the clinical application of TLB providing useful information to the gastroenterologist during patient diagnosis.

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