Year-round patterns of mineral lick use by Moose (Alces americanus), deer, and Elk (Cervus canadensis) in north-central British Columbia

Natural mineral licks are important to the physiological ecology of several species of ungulates in North America and abroad. Information on year-round patterns of mineral lick use by ungulates in Canada is poorly understood. We used camera traps to record patterns of mineral lick use by four ungulate species visiting five naturally occurring mineral licks located within the John Prince Research Forest and surrounding area, near Fort St. James, British Columbia, Canada. Our cameras detected over 1800 mineral lick visits by ungulates from February 2017 to January 2018. Mineral licks were visited year-round, however, most visits were made between May and September during morning hours. We observed variable lick visitations among sites, species, and sex and age classes. The species observed in descending number of lick visits included Moose (Alces americanus), White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), Elk (Cervus canadensis), and Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Some licks were visited by all four species, while others were visited by fewer. Female ungulates were recorded at licks more frequently than males or juveniles, which likely reflected the underlying sex and age structure of the population. Elk spent more time at licks than Moose and deer and there was no difference in visit durations between Moose and deer. Most visits were made by single animals, but group visits were also observed. Our findings provide evidence that mineral licks are used year-round by ungulates and appear to be important habitat features on the landscape.

Influence of the Amyrasol R-Z mineral lick briquette on biochemical parameters of blood in dairy cowsInfluence of the Amyrasol R-Z mineral lick briquette on biochemical parameters of blood in dairy cow

The data obtained as a result of the use of a mineral lick briquette Amirasol R-Z in the diets of dairy cows are analyzed in the article. Authors studied the influence of the mineral lick briquette Amirasol R-Z on the biochemical parameters and milk productivity of dairy cows. The experiments were carried out on dairy cows of the red steppe breed in the conditions of the plain zone of the Republic of Dagestan. Two groups of dairy cows were formed (10 heads in each). According to the scheme of the experiment, the control group received a basic diet, the experimental group received the basic diet and the mineral lick briquette Amirasol R-Z. Each cow of the experimental group was given individually one lick briquette in a dose of 4 kg during 90 days. Researches and data processing were carried out according to generally accepted methods. Blood was taken from the experimental animals from the jugular vein for laboratory studies at the end of the experiment. The milk productivity and fat content of milk were taken into account by carrying out monthly control milk yields. At the same time, the positive effect of a lick briquette on the biochemical parameters of blood has been proven: reserve alkalinity, glucose, macro- and microelements, the activity of the copper-containing enzyme ceruloplasmin and milk productivity. A significant increase in the blood of glucose concentration by 12.93% in the cows of the experimental group, the level of reserve alkalinity by 17.66%, the concentration of macroelements and microelements, milk productivity by 5.7%, milk fat by 2.77% compared with the control group. The use of the mineral lick briquette Amirasol R-Z in the diets of dairy cows helps to prevent macro- and microelementoses, increase milk productivity, milk fat content, nonspecific immunity and obtain of healthy calves.