The Stomach Morphology and Contents of the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)

To better understand the critically endangered Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla)’s adaptation to highly specialized prey, and to enrich the acknowledge of this species’ natural dietary, we performed anatomic observation and contents analysis on the stomach of an accidental death of Chinese pangolin. The stomach is C-shaped and consists of the cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus, weight 136.5 g, volume 120 mL, and the curve length of lesser and greater curvatures is 9.1 cm and 25.1 cm, respectively. The inner wall of the stomach is covered with the milky layer of mucosa which forms 9–10 spiral folds lapping the cardia and fundus, arranged alternately with ditches and ridges, accounting for approximately 30% of the inner surface of the stomach. These folds are soft to touch and reddish. The inner surface of the greater curvature has a pie-shaped appendix that protrudes and opens into the stomach cavity; it looks like fat tissue and is kermesinus. The pyloric tunica muscularis is thick, and the pyloric sphincter is developed. There is a mulberry-like bulge at the pylorus, named the pyloric pillow, and the pyloric gland lies below it; the pyloric pits are the size of a pen tip. The surface of pyloric pillow and nearby it is covered with yellowish spinous processes and pyloric teeth. The main component of the stomach contents was found to be the diced chitin exoskeletons of Carebara sp. with small amounts of straw, roots, and small stones, which were evenly mixed with stomach juices (pH 3). The fresh weight of the contents was 29.03 g, which accounted for approximately one-quarter of the stomach cavity volume. This study has shown that there was an adaptation of the stomach of Chinese pangolin to its diet.

Changes in serum biochemistry of fish, Catla catla in response to metal toxicity

In the present study an attempt has been made to evaluate the effect of heavy metals i.e. nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) on the serum biochemical parameters of Catla catla. The fish were exposed to lethal concentrations (96-hr LC50) of selected metals. The studied serum biochemical parameters were sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), albumin (Alb), urea (U), glucose (Glu), aspartate aminotransferase (Ast) and alanine aminotransferase (Alt). Results revealed a decrease in Na, Cl and Alb levels of metal exposed fish at all exposure periods as compared to control. However, an increase in K, U, Glu, Ast and Alt levels was observed in the metal exposed fish. All the biochemical parameters showed significant dependence on exposure durations in both treated fish except Na and Alb in Zn treated fish. This study indicated that the alterations in serum biochemical parameters may be the result of the target tissue damage and dysfunction induced by the metal and that these parameters can thus be used to assess the toxic effects of metals on organisms.

Incubation Temperature Influences the Duration of Egg Hatching and Early Development in the Boreal Digging Frog, Kaloula Borealis

This study investigated the boreal digging frog, Kaloula borealis, to determine the egg hatching period and whether the hatching period is affected by incubation temperature. The results of this study showed that all the eggs hatched within 48 h after spawning, with 28.1% (±10.8, n=52) hatching within 24 h and 99.9% (±0.23, n=49) within 48 h after spawning. A significant difference was noted in the mean hatching proportion of tadpoles at different water temperatures. The mean hatching rates between 15 and 24 h after spawning was higher at a water temperature of 21.1 (±0.2) °C than at 24.1 (±0.2) °C. These results suggest that incubation temperature affected the early life stages of the boreal digging frog, since they spawn in ponds or puddles that form during the rainy season.

Do Contraceptive Rods Affect the Behaviour of African Lions (Panthera leo) in Captivity?

Surplus animals in zoos and wildlife parks are handled differently across Europe. Some zoos use the “Breed and Cull”-method where animals are allowed to reproduce, and surplus animals culled when the mature. Other zoos sterilize the animals or inject them with contraceptive rods to prevent reproduction. Naturally secreted hormones affect both behaviour and morphology, but the effect of the injected hormones has not been studied in lions. The aim of this observational study was to compare the behaviour in captive groups of female lions, that had either been injected with contraceptive rods or not. The study was made in eight different zoos in Denmark, Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands. We found no significant differences in the behaviour of the two groups (with and without rods), indicating that there was no effect of contraceptive rods. However, the small sample size, and unbalanced factors such as pride composition, age and weather could have blurred our results. In order to address the challenge of surplus animals, we suggest, future studies with a more optimal experimental design and larger sample sizes and the inclusion of physiological measurement in addition to quantitative behavioural recordings.

Biochemical Transition Effects of Fungi Fouling Disease in Penaeus Monodon Shrimp

Penaeus monodon (black tiger shrimp) is one of the most cultured shrimp species in India. Biochemical compositions of such shrimp species play a major role in recent decades. The biochemical composition is an index to assess the nutritional quality of food sources. The present work endeavor is to analyze total protein, carbohydrates, total lipids, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals from muscle tissues of both Gilbertella persicaria fungal fouling infected and healthy shrimp, P. monodon. The study animal was captured by cast net operation from cultured grow-out shrimp pond located in Tamil Nadu. The study revealed maximum amounts of nutritional status was observed in healthy shrimp P. monodon (total protein 49.15%, carbohydrate 16.53%, total lipid 2.37%) tissues compared with G. persicaria fungal fouling infected shrimp (total protein 31.15%, carbohydrate 11.05%, total lipid 1.04%) were recorded. These results indicate novel report on nutritional aspect of fungal fouling pathogen G. persicaria which has significantly contributed in biochemical composition reduction of P. monodon.

Reproductive Cycle and Fecundity Tristramella simonies (Gunther, 1864) (Teleostei: Cichlidae) in the Northern Great River (Lattakia, Syria)

This research was conducted to study the reproductive cycle and fecundity of the fish Tristramella simonis in the Northern Great River (Nahr Alkabeer Alshmali) north of Lattakia city. 263 individuals were collected from the northern great river, during the period between July 2017 and June 2018. Samples were collected every 15 days using gill nets, which its pores diameter ranged from 16 to 20 mm and using cages (1 × 1 × 1 m). The total length of the collected fish ranged from 9.5 to 16.5 cm, and their weights ranged from 19.5 to 112.27 g. Samples contained (128 females) and (88 males) and (47) undetected. Results of Gonado Somatic Index (GSI) showed that the reproduction period was between April and August with three obvious peaks of maturity. Where the highest value of GSI was (10.06±8.46) % for females and (0.13 ± 0.05) % for males. Results of Hepato Somatic Index (HSI) was concurrence highly with the ecological and physiological changes, which result from changes in sexual activity during the reproductive cycle. Where the highest value of HSI attained 3.79 ± 1.86 % for females and attained 3.95 ± 1.38 % for males. In the first sexual maturity, the length attained 13.31 cm for females and (14.87 cm) for males. The sexual rate was (1: 0.7), which means 40.7 % males and 59.3 % females in the population. The absolute fecundity ranged from 940 to 1229 egg. While the relative fecundity ranged between 158- 215 egg/ g of ovary weight. Egg diameter during reproduction season ranged between 2.4- 4 mm, with several sizes, which mean a relatively long reproduction term.

Nuclear Damage in Peripheral Erythrocytes of Cyprinus Carpio Exposed to Binary Mixture of Pesticides

The present study was undertaken to examine the DNA damage in peripheral blood erythrocytes of Cyprinus carpio under the binary exposure of bifenthrin and chlorpyrifos by using single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE). Limited efforts have been made to study the genotoxic effect for long duration period. Therefore, the present investigation was aimed to assess the genotoxicity of pesticide mixture to the freshwater carp, Cyprinus carpio at sub-lethal concentration exposure (33% LC50). At first 96-hr LC50 value of pesticide, the mixture was determined for Cyprinus carpio in a static system and then sub-lethal concentration was calculated and fish was exposed to this sub-lethal concentration of the mixture in glass aquaria for 70 days (five fortnights) at constant laboratory conditions. Peripheral blood erythrocytes were taken on a fortnightly basis for the time-dependent DNA damage assessment in-terms of percentage of damaged cells, genetic damage index and a cumulative tail length of comets. Concentration-dependent increase in the percentage of DNA damaged cells were observed up to a 4th fortnight, followed by a slight decrease in the 5th fortnight. Similarly, statistically significant time-dependent DNA damage was observed in terms of percentage of damaged cells, genetic damage index and a cumulative tail length of comets in treated fish (at 33% of LC50) as compared to control groups. The results supported the use of SCGE for evaluating the toxicity of pollutants which may be used as part of environmental monitoring programs.

Blood Biochemical of Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) in Kano Zoological Garden, Nigeria

The potential application of blood reference range for crocodile is a basis that can provide important clinical information about health and physiological condition of the animal. This study investigates serum biochemistry of Nile crocodile from Kano Zoological Garden, Kano, Nigeria. Six (6) adult Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) were captured from crocodile pond in the zoo. Blood was collected from post-occipital sinus of the physically restrain crocodile and used for serum biochemical parameters. The results revealed the Total Serum Protein (TSP) concentration of 9.2g/Ɩ, albumin concentration which is a common plasma protein is 43g/Ɩ while globulin concentration is 54g/Ɩ. Cholesterol concentration measure is registered at 5.2mmol/Ɩ with High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) of 1mmol/Ɩ and 1.35mmol/Ɩ respectively. Creatinine: a breakdown product of creatinine which is an important part of muscle tissue is 44umol/Ɩ. Uric acid which is a primary catabolic end product of protein is 0.18mmol/Ɩ while glucose and triglyceride are 4.94mmol/Ɩ and 2.24mmol/Ɩ respectively while enzymes which include Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration is 6U/Ɩ, Aspartate aminotransferase concentration is 5U/Ɩ while Alkaline Phosphatase is 20U/Ɩ. The biochemical values recorded were compared with available data on farm Nile crocodile. Clearly, nutritional status, age, gender, season, physiology and environment should be considered if clinical pathology is to be employed as a diagnostic tool.

Clinical Management of a Complete Gastrointestinal Obstruction and Ileus in A Geriatric Female Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)

A 58-year-old female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) was diagnosed with a complete gastrointestinal obstruction and accompanying ileus. She was anorexic for three days, did not pass stool for seven days, and her abdomen was visibly distended. Treatment included: rectal and IV fluids; oral and rectal stool softeners; mineral oil; ketoprofen; laser acupuncture; and fecal transfaunation. The blockage was successfully expelled after seven days yielding a large bolus weighing 52 kg followed shortly by another 45 kg of feces.

Enclosure Utilization and Enrichment Structure Preferences of Captive Coyotes

Environmental enrichment improves well-being of captive animals using a variety of tools, including adding complexity to the physical environment. Designing enrichment structures requires an understanding of behavioral and biological responses to enrichment efforts. Captive coyotes (Canis latrans) utilize shelter structures to hide, rest, and display vigilant behavior. Because these simple structures are regularly used, new and more complex enrichment structures could enhance enclosure enrichment. This study examined the time captive coyotes spent at discrete, complex enclosure features to determine: (1) how coyotes utilize enclosure space and shelter structures; and (2) if coyotes have a preferred enrichment structure design. Three enrichment structure designs (ramp, closed, and neutral) were installed simultaneously in 0.6-ha enclosures during two breeding seasons (January – March). Additional coyote pairs were monitored in control enclosures with simple structures. GPS-collars and scan sampling were used throughout a 28-day testing period to record space use and behavior. Coyotes spent most of their time at perimeter and open areas, but also exhibited a preference for shelter structures. Coyotes utilized the complex enrichment structures in treatment enclosures more than simple structures in control enclosures. Although there was no statistical preference for one specific type of complex structure, composite evidence from GPS-collars and behavioral data suggested that coyotes were most frequently located at ramp structures. Coyotes utilized ramp structures more during the daytime and demonstrated higher rates of vigilance there. This study advances the knowledge of captive coyote spatial patterns while helping improve environmental enrichment planning for captive facilities through the exploration of adding complexity to animal enclosures.