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Conservation breeding programs for endangered species face challenges, notably in the development of husbandry techniques, complicated by the impracticality of conducting controlled experiments. To reduce uncertainty regarding what works in conservation breeding programs, it is essential to capture data. In avian breeding programs, the construction of quality nests and appropriate incubation and handling of eggs by the parents are essential prerequisites to the successful production of offspring. Here, we study factors influencing nest‐building and parental incubation outcomes in ʻalalā (Corvus hawaiiensis), which is extinct in the wild and numbers fewer than 130 individuals in human care. Using parent‐incubated egg data from 2018 to 2021 (171 clutches, 55 pairs), we evaluated the role of husbandry factors in determining the quality of nests constructed by ʻalalā and the likelihood of nest quality and other social and environmental factors to predict egg loss (breaking, cannibalization, or ejection of an egg from the nest). More than half of all eggs laid failed to reach the hatch date. Nest quality was the most influential predictor of egg loss, with eggs in higher quality nests more likely to reach the hatch date. Male age also influenced egg loss, with very young (3 years old) and older males (⪞12 years old) experiencing more egg loss. Furthermore, the two facilities and two aviary types also differed in the quality of nests ʻalalā constructed, indicating that nest‐building behavior can be influenced by husbandry practices. These findings reduce uncertainty and provide insights for recommended management interventions to facilitate successful reproduction in human care. Research Highlights: Over half of all 'alalā eggs laid from 2018 to 2021 were lost before the expected hatch date.Eggs laid in higher quality nests were less likely to be lost.Facility design and husbandry practices can influence rates of egg loss in ʻalalā. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personality studies are increasingly relevant and applicable to a broad range of conservation issues, including a role for selecting compatible mates in conservation breeding programs (CBPs). Choosing compatible breeding pairs is essential for maximizing reproductive success in CBPs, which provide assurance populations for species facing extinction and candidates for translocation to support wild populations. We investigated the value of caretaker‐assessed personality ratings of the critically endangered 'Alalā (Hawaiian Crow, Corvus hawaiiensis) in predicting reproductive outcomes: nest quality, fertile egg production, and hatchability in the 'Alalā CBP. Caretakers used well‐defined operational definitions to rate 22 personality traits for 69 male and 59 female 'Alalā, achieving high inter‐rater agreement (ICC ≥ 0.85) for 8 traits – aggressive, bold/fearless, fearful, imprinted/abnormal, inept, submissive, territorial, and tendency to feather pluck (a stereotypic behavior) – used in a principal components analysis to distill intercorrelated variables into three principal components. While we did not find that personality influences nest quality or hatchability (based on limiting inferences to fixed effects with high relative importance scores; ≥0.8), we found some evidence that pairs with males that were more territorial/aggressive and fearful than their mates had a higher probability of egg fertilization, but there was substantial variability in this relationship, with confidence intervals overlapping zero. These personality traits may influence pair dynamics, enhancing compatibility, may predict better pair coordination on the nest, or both. Our results highlight the ability of caretakers to successfully identify 'Alalā personality traits and provide some support for integrating personality into the pairing process; however, further research is needed to understand the value of 'Alalā personality as a mate selection tool. The application of similar approaches to enhance CBP performance in other taxa is promising, but will require overcoming methodological challenges surrounding the complexity of data collection and interpretation of consistency among raters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The use of enzymes in the feed of chickens and the production animals is already well established, given the nutritional and economic benefits that can be achieved without affecting the quality of the final product. Among research efforts, new discoveries are made every day regarding the potential of products developed to provide efficient enzymes as additives in animal diets. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of enzymes produced from the cultivation of Trichoderma reesei in powder and liquid forms on the feeding of broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age. The diets were composed of corn and soybean meal, and this study evaluated their effects on performance, digestibility, blood parameters, and the biometry of the digestive system. The enzymes produced, cellulases, affected feed intake, digestibility, and blood electrolyte concentrations were quantified. However, the biometry of the digestive system and analyses of pancreas and liver viscera were not altered, which may indicate normal bird development and the absence of toxicity. In conclusion, Trichoderma reesei cellulases are an interesting option for use in animal diets. The cellulose present in the cell wall of vegetables prevents the greater release of nutrients to the animal. Therefore, the use of the cellulase enzyme is a viable strategy as it is capable of breaking cellulose bonds, releasing nutrients such as glucose, increasing dietary energy, and thus improving the productive performance of birds. Trichoderma reesei is efficient in the production of cellulase, which is produced via submerged fermentation followed by purification, formulation, and drying. Therefore, an experiment was carried out using 240 male broilers of the Cobb-500® lineage to verify the effects resulting from the addition of powdered (500 g/t and 1000 g/t) and liquid (500 mL/t) cellulase over a period of 1 to 21 days. A completely randomized experimental design was used, consisting of four treatments with six replications and ten birds per replication that were housed in an experimental cage. It was observed that performance and digestibility results were significantly different with cellulase supplementation. Also, the relative weight of the large intestine in the period between one and seven days increased when cellulase was added at 1000 g/t. In the period of between eight and 14 days of life, the birds that consumed only the basal diet obtained higher levels of liver protein than those that received the treatments with the addition of the enzyme. However, 15 and 21 days, the consumed feed effect did not occur between thus, it is not conclusive whether hepatotoxicity occurs with the addition of cellulase. For the blood parameters, at 21 days, the diets with added cellulase were not significantly different regarding electrolytes. It was concluded that this cellulase produced by Trichoderma reesei can be included in the animals' diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Recent research has prioritized emerging and re‐emerging diseases that affect human and animal health, particularly to describe how these diseases enter countries and determine their transmission cycles. Given that migratory birds play a significant role in spreading infections, the present study analysed their migration paths and specimens to investigate Orthoflavivirus, Orthonairovirus, Alphavirus and Phlebovirus in birds in Samsun province, Türkiye. Methods and Results: For these viruses, 312 samples from 56 birds were analysed using RT‐PCR and qRT‐PCR. Toscana virus (TOSV) was identified in 14 birds (four mallards, five partridges, four quails and one pigeon), representing 25% of the birds sampled. Genotype B was reported in all 14 birds. After inoculating the positive tissues in cell cultures, TOSV was isolated from the organs of pigeons, mallards and partridges. Conclusions: This is the first time TOSV has been isolated in cell culture from birds and indicates that they may play a role in spreading TOSV in Türkiye. The results also suggest that TOSV might be carried between countries by migratory birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1906, the Mikado pheasant, an endemic bird of Taiwan, was discovered as a new species by a British collector. As the creation of this new species was based solely on the examination of tail feathers, it generated excitement among ornithologists and aviculturists, sparking a series of expeditions to collect complete specimens. By following the trajectory of these endeavors and subsequent attempts to reclassify, propagate, and protect the bird, this article explores the power and performativity of scientific naming in both global and colonial contexts. The act of writing and publishing a species description is performative in that it creates a new species by assigning a scientific name that allows it to gain recognition within the scientific community and beyond. It also served to create and maintain the ornithological community--the idealized virtual community of ornithologists, bird collectors, and aviculturists. The history of the Mikado pheasant is part of a larger scientific effort to establish the comprehensive knowledge of the family Phasianidae, which motivated aspiring Japanese ornithologists to exert their acquired knowledge over the avifauna of the Japanese empire. These processes interacted during a time when zoological nomenclature was becoming accessible to non-Western zoologists. The discovery of the Mikado pheasant was the result of a colonial enterprise involving the British and Japanese empires, which converged on the interior of Taiwan and involved the Indigenous people who had settled in the mountain regions. The enduring legacy of the Mikado pheasant's naming still resonates today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to investigate mammals' roadkill between 18/01/2021 and 11/05/2022 on the Darrehshahr -Poldokhtar-Majhin road that passes through the Choll region. In the sampling period, 73 roadkill belonging to 5 mammal species were recorded. By comparing the number of roadkill in different seasons, it was found that the highest casualties were recorded in the cool seasons of the year and the lowest casualties were recorded in the three very hot months of the year. The highest roadkill related to the jackal species was recorded outside the Choll region, where the nature of the studied area is a mixture of plains and hills. By examining the map of the hotspots of roadkill obtained from the kernel function using GIS software, it was found that the jackal species has the highest casualties around the aviculture and near the residential areas. Because two hotspots of jackal deaths were observed in other places between the aviculture, it can be concluded that the aviculture attracted jackals to this area of the road due to improper disposal of dead chickens. According to the map of hotspots of roadkill related to the fox species, the highest casualties were observed in the Choll region in a hilly area in nature and around residential areas. Considering the concentration of roadkill of jackals around aviculture, the basic disposal of lost chickens effectively reduces these losses to a large extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation breeding program practitioners select potential mates in an attempt to maximize pair compatibility and maintain genetic diversity. Therefore, pair duration, or the number of breeding seasons that individuals retain the same mate, is practitioner-determined in these settings. There is a critical need to evaluate whether pair duration influences reproductive success in ex situ assurance populations, particularly for socially monogamous species. The 'Alalā (Hawaiian crow, Corvus hawaiiensis) is a monogamous forest bird that is currently extinct in the wild. Today, 'Alalā exist only in human care for intensive conservation breeding. We analyzed breeding program data from 2018-2021 to determine the effects of 'Alalā pair duration and age on reproduction (nest building, egg laying, hatching, and fledging). We found that pair duration does not influence reproductive outcomes, and thus practitioners can be more proactive when re-pairing birds. Female and male age, on the other hand, influenced the probability of nest building, clutch production, and overall reproductive success. Nest building and clutch production probabilities were high (near 1) and stable as females aged from 2 to ~ 12 years old, declining sharply thereafter. In males, overall reproductive success (from building robust nests to rearing at least one nestling to fledge) increased with age from 2 to ~ 9 years old, peaked and reached an asymptote with males ≳ 9 to ~ 13 years old, and decreased in males = 13 years old. Thus, integrating age into the pair selection process will increase the likelihood of achieving conservation goals. To our knowledge, we are the first to utilize empirical pair duration results to provide specific management recommendations for mate selection in an avian conservation breeding program. Our findings have critical utility for guiding 'Alalā pairing decisions, and more broadly underscore the importance of evaluating mate retention and selection protocols in other conservation breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some species are able to hybridize despite being exceptionally diverged. The causes of this variation in accumulation of reproductive isolation remain poorly understood, and domestication as an impetus or hindrance to reproductive isolation remains to be characterized. In this study, we investigated the role of divergence time, domestication, and mismatches in morphology, habitat, and clutch size among hybridizing species on reproductive isolation in the bird order Galliformes. We compiled and analyzed hybridization occurrences from literature and recorded measures of postzygotic reproductive isolation. We used a text-mining approach leveraging a historical aviculture magazine to quantify the degree of domestication across species. We obtained divergence time, morphology, habitat, and clutch size data from open sources. We found 123 species pairs (involving 77 species) with known offspring fertility (sterile, only males fertile, or both sexes fertile). We found that divergence time and clutch size were significant predictors of reproductive isolation (McFadden's Pseudo -R 2 = 0.59), but not habitat or morphological mismatch. Perhaps most interesting, we found a significant relationship between domestication and reproductive compatibility after correcting for phylogeny, removing extreme values, and addressing potential biases (F 1,74 = 5.43, R 2 = 0.06, P -value = 0.02). We speculate that the genetic architecture and disruption in selective reproductive regimes associated with domestication may impact reproductive isolation, causing domesticated species to be more reproductively labile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the addition of liquid cellulose, produced by Humicola grisea, in 21-day-old broiler chickens' diets. The treatments comprised control rations of corn and soybean meal and rations to which 500 mL/t and 1000 mL/t of cellulase were added. A total of 180 male broiler chickens were used, distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and six replicates. Broiler chicken performance was monitored during the period from 1 to 21 days old. Significant effects were detected for digestibility only between four and seven days old, when a reduced dry matter nitrogen intake was recorded, and for nitrogen digestibility in the broilers fed cellulase-supplemented rations at a dose of 1000 m/L. Among the analyzed digestive organs, only the biometrics of the large intestine were affected significantly at seven days old. The absolute weights of the liver and pancreas and the activities of amylase, alkaline phosphatase, and transaminases were not affected significantly, indicating that cellulase did not affect the metabolism of these organs. No significant effect was detected in the serum for electrolytes, total protein, or alkaline phosphatase. So, the addition of liquid cellulase produced by Humicola grisea did not affect performance and metabolism in 21-day-old broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the addition of liquid cellulose, produced by Humicola grisea, in 21-day-old broiler chickens’ diets. The treatments comprised control rations of corn and soybean meal and rations to which 500 mL/t and 1000 mL/t of cellulase were added. A total of 180 male broiler chickens were used, distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and six replicates. Broiler chicken performance was monitored during the period from 1 to 21 days old. Significant effects were detected for digestibility only between four and seven days old, when a reduced dry matter nitrogen intake was recorded, and for nitrogen digestibility in the broilers fed cellulase-supplemented rations at a dose of 1000 m/L. Among the analyzed digestive organs, only the biometrics of the large intestine were affected significantly at seven days old. The absolute weights of the liver and pancreas and the activities of amylase, alkaline phosphatase, and transaminases were not affected significantly, indicating that cellulase did not affect the metabolism of these organs. No significant effect was detected in the serum for electrolytes, total protein, or alkaline phosphatase. So, the addition of liquid cellulase produced by Humicola grisea did not affect performance and metabolism in 21-day-old broiler chickens.

Conservation breeding program practitioners select potential mates in an attempt to maximize pair compatibility and maintain genetic diversity. Therefore, pair duration, or the number of breeding seasons that individuals retain the same mate, is practitioner-determined in these settings. There is a critical need to evaluate whether pair duration influences reproductive success in ex situ assurance populations, particularly for socially monogamous species. The ‘Alalā (Hawaiian crow, Corvus hawaiiensis) is a monogamous forest bird that is currently extinct in the wild. Today, ‘Alalā exist only in human care for intensive conservation breeding. We analyzed breeding program data from 2018-2021 to determine the effects of ‘Alalā pair duration and age on reproduction (nest building, egg laying, hatching, and fledging). We found that pair duration does not influence reproductive outcomes, and thus practitioners can be more proactive when re-pairing birds. Female and male age, on the other hand, influenced the probability of nest building, clutch production, and overall reproductive success. Nest building and clutch production probabilities were high (near 1) and stable as females aged from 2 to ~ 12 years old, declining sharply thereafter. In males, overall reproductive success (from building robust nests to rearing at least one nestling to fledge) increased with age from 2 to ~ 9 years old, peaked and reached an asymptote with males ≳ 9 to ~ 13 years old, and decreased in males ≳ 13 years old. Thus, integrating age into the pair selection process will increase the likelihood of achieving conservation goals. To our knowledge, we are the first to utilize empirical pair duration results to provide specific management recommendations for mate selection in an avian conservation breeding program. Our findings have critical utility for guiding ‘Alalā pairing decisions, and more broadly underscore the importance of evaluating mate retention and selection protocols in other conservation breeding programs.

For some critically endangered species, conservation breeding is a vital steppingstone toward re‐establishing wild populations. The 'Alalā (Hawaiian crow, Corvus hawaiiensis), currently extinct in the wild, exists today only in a conservation breeding program, which, for many years, utilized successful hands‐on husbandry approaches such as separating and resocializing pairs, providing partially manmade nests, artificially incubating eggs, and puppet rearing nestlings. Yet, a top priority of any conservation breeding program is to retain natural behaviors essential to postrelease survival and reproduction, to achieve successful reintroduction and restoration to the wild. We describe how we are adapting 'Alalā husbandry techniques to strengthen pair bonds through full‐time socialization, enable pairs to build robust nests, encourage females to incubate eggs to hatch, and provide pairs and their offspring with vital parental rearing experiences. We discuss the use of standardized, data‐driven methods to objectively track our progress towards successful parental breeding and to select release candidates based on their likelihood to survive and breed in the wild. The information shared in this report can be applied to other conservation breeding programs, particularly those implementing or transitioning to husbandry techniques geared towards preparing species to thrive in the wild. Research highlights: Conservation breeding techniques for 'Alalā are designed to prepare individuals to thrive in the wild.A top priority is to maintain natural, species‐typical behaviors that are essential for post‐release survival and reproduction.Pairs are quantitatively monitored to assess performance and to identify release candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El artículo discute la cría de aves en Mesoamérica con un enfoque en la megadiversidad biológica, la domesticación de animales, la antigua cultura de las aves de México y las nuevas especies de aves registradas desde el período prehispánico hasta el colonial.

Chlamydia psittaci is a bacterium that causes chlamydiosis in birds and can cause zoonotic psittacosis in people. In November 2017, we received notification of a suspected case of avian chlamydiosis in a captive cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) that was sold by an online pet bird retail and breeding facility in Washington State. We describe the investigation with emphasis on how environmental sampling was used to guide veterinary and public health interventions. Bird samples were collected either from pooled droppings, pooled plumage or individual nasal and choanal swabs. Environmental samples were obtained by swabbing cleaning mops, tables and cage structures. All samples were tested by polymerase chain reaction and positive samples underwent genotyping. Approximately 1000 birds representing four taxonomic orders were kept within an open‐space warehouse. Eight of 14 environmental samples and one of two pooled faecal samples were positive for Chlamydia spp. The contaminating strain of Chlamydia spp. was identified as genotype A. The facility was closed for environmental disinfection, and all psittacines were treated with oral doxycycline for 45 days. Ten of 10 environmental and two of two pooled faecal samples were negative for C. psittaci 11 months after the completion of environmental disinfection and antimicrobial treatment. This investigation highlights the importance of preventing and mitigating pathogen incursion in an online pet retail and breeding facility. Environmental sampling is valuable to guide animal and public health interventions for control of C. psittaci, particularly when large numbers of birds are exposed to the pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cellulose present in the cell wall of vegetables prevents the greater release of nutrients to the animal. Therefore, the use of the cellulase enzyme is a viable strategy as it is capable of breaking cellulose bonds, releasing nutrients such as glucose, increasing dietary energy, and thus improving the productive performance of birds. Trichoderma reesei is efficient in the production of cellulase, which is produced via submerged fermentation followed by purification, formulation, and drying. Therefore, an experiment was carried out using 240 male broilers of the Cobb-500® lineage to verify the effects resulting from the addition of powdered (500 g/t and 1000 g/t) and liquid (500 mL/t) cellulase over a period of 1 to 21 days. A completely randomized experimental design was used, consisting of four treatments with six replications and ten birds per replication that were housed in an experimental cage. It was observed that performance and digestibility results were significantly different with cellulase supplementation. Also, the relative weight of the large intestine in the period between one and seven days increased when cellulase was added at 1000 g/t. In the period of between eight and 14 days of life, the birds that consumed only the basal diet obtained higher levels of liver protein than those that received the treatments with the addition of the enzyme. However, 15 and 21 days, the consumed feed effect did not occur between thus, it is not conclusive whether hepatotoxicity occurs with the addition of cellulase. For the blood parameters, at 21 days, the diets with added cellulase were not significantly different regarding electrolytes. It was concluded that this cellulase produced by Trichoderma reesei can be included in the animals’ diet.

Birds are valued in the traditional cultures of Tibetan areas of China for symbolism, spirituality, and medicine. A total of 329 informants from six Tibetan communities were interviewed through ethnobiological survey methods. Results highlight that Tibetan informants value a diversity of birds for multiple symbolic purposes including spirituality, a good harvest, happiness, fortune, beauty, glory, and omens. Over 20 avian species including eagles, crows, pheasants, and red-breasted parakeets were perceived as totems, taboos, and holy birds. Findings revealed that three vulture species (Gyps himalayensis, Gyps fulvus, and Gypaetus barbatus) are the most important avian species because of their sacred roles in celestial burial. A total of 27 bird species were recorded as being used as traditional medicine. The high valuation of birds in Tibetan culture has likely contributed to the transmission of traditional knowledge regarding birds as well as to the conservation of bird biodiversity in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the origin of the trope of the crocodile bird in Egyptian culture and its dissemination in classical, Islamic, and Jewish traditions. It discusses whether the crocodile bird actually existed and which bird species could be identified with it. The text describes various versions of a story about the friendship between a crocodile and a bird that was widespread in ancient literature. It also points out that the trochilus may be mentioned in Byzantine poetry and in Horapollo's treatise on hieroglyphs. However, there is no clear evidence for the depiction of the trochilus in visual art. The article describes the origin and dissemination of the trochilus trope, a narrative about a bird that cleans the teeth of a crocodile. The story originated in ancient Egypt and was passed down in various cultures, including Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Jewish traditions. [Extracted from the article]

Aviculture is a developed and important industry worldwide. However, it is an industry that produces solid waste such as bedding. As an attempt to reduce environmental impact and productive activity costs, beds are reused by several consecutive lots which can increase microorganism concentration and lead to unsanitary conditions. In this regard, it is essential to adopt a litter pre-treatment during the gap sanitary period between lots to avoid passing problems to the birds from the current flock to the subsequent flock and to guarantee the litter quality. Several factors must be considered to guarantee that there is minimal damage to chicken production. Therefore, this literature review aims to approach the main factors that affect the thermal comfort and chicken litter quality, as well as alternatives used as an alternative biological treatment to guarantee its reuse quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the global endeavours to reduce antibiotic resistances and protect human and animal health, novel antimicrobials are urgently required (WHO, 2022a). In the WHO report on clinical development against priority pathogens 2022, nine out of 34 non-traditional antimicrobials were bacteriophages or bacteriophage-based products (WHO, 2022b). Bacteriophages (phages) are the natural enemies of bacteria, they can infect their host bacteria, replicate inside the bacterial cell and finally kill bacteria by lysis. Their therapeutic potential for reducing bacterial pathogens in birds has been shown in several studies (KITTLER et al., 2017). Due to their mode of action, phages meet all innovation criteria of the WHO, belonging to a new chemical class, having new molecular targets and showing no cross resistance to other antibiotic classes. They have been used against Campylobacter in several in vivo trials and two field trials in commercial broiler houses (KITTLER et al., 2013; CHINIVASAGAM et al., 2020). While phage resistance in Campylobacter was associated with fitness costs in some experiments, the occurrence of new bacterial strains that are not sensitive to the bacteriophages used, was suggested to reduce phage effectiveness and reproducibility under field conditions. Thus, phages were combined with other measures in a multiple-hurdle approach in a seeder bird model (PEH et al., 2024) and under field conditions (BOGUN et al., 2024). The application of a Fletchervirus phage NCTC 12673 and Firehammervirus phage vB_CcM-LmqsCPL1/1 in a field trial, resulted in reductions of up to 1.1 log10 CFU/ml in fecal samples 1 day after dosing. Combined application of the phages with curcumin via feed and an organic acid blend via drinking water did not result in higher reductions than phage application alone. Based on these results, no synergism of the combined application was observed. However, after combined application of the phages with a competitive exclusion culture in a seeder bird model, increased reduction compared to single used measures has been observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Omnivorous and opportunistic species may be good indicators of food availability. Gulls often use human‐impacted landscapes and may respond to changes by altering their feeding ecology. We investigated the foraging behavior of individual common gulls (Larus canus), focusing on their distribution during foraging and their selected habitat types. We tracked adult common gulls using GPS telemetry at their largest breeding colony in the southwestern Baltic Sea, Germany. Foraging habitats were analyzed from tracking data for three breeding seasons 2016, 2017, and 2019 and were compared with potentially available foraging habitats. Most breeding birds flew toward terrestrial areas. Feeding sites were located on average 11.7–14.3 km from the colony (range 0.9–36.5 km). Corn and sugar beet fields were used significantly and extensively compared with their availability in 2016 and 2017, while wheat, rape, and barley fields were used significantly less. Data from 2019 suggested seasonal shifts in habitat use. Birds spent between 30 and 1300 min per week at their preferred feeding sites, with significant differences between the major habitats selected. We found a stable, clear, multiyear pattern in common gull foraging behavior in relation to agricultural practices. Fields with little or no crop cover and thus access to the soil were preferred over fields with high crop cover. These results suggest that local food availability may be limiting further population increases in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In humans, culture can have a variety of meanings, from trends in music or art, to technological advances, to the ideologies and values that underpin a society. What all these meanings all have in common is that they encompass behaviours, skills and ideas that are not genetically determined, but rather learned from those around us, and shared in a group or society. Human societies also exhibit what is termed 'cumulative cultural evolution', when cultures build on themselves over generations of learners to exhibit more complex or effective behaviours, allowing us to go from a sled to a high-speed train, or from counting to calculus. But what about other species — do they also exhibit cultures? Alpin introduces culture in bird populations, and discusses how this culture evolved and how it enables adaptation to changing environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Nest sites for cavity-breeding birds are limited in many habitats such as in agriculture. Nest boxes are artificial nest sites that are added to provide birds a place to breed in areas where natural nest sites are lacking. For example, nest boxes are used to increase barn owl numbers in agricultural areas to reduce rodent damage in farmlands. Although nest boxes are added in different locations such as on poles and trees and in sunlight/shade, it is still unknown which location is better. Here, we compared the occupation of nest boxes by barn owls on trees, nest boxes on poles in the shade, and on poles in the sun. We found that more nest boxes were occupied when they were located on trees, followed by nest boxes on poles in the shade and nest boxes on poles in the sun. The number of nestlings raised in the nest boxes varied seasonally, with more being fledged early in the season in nest boxes located on poles in the sun whereas more nestlings were fledged later in the season in nest boxes located on trees. The seasonal difference is most likely due to the lower internal temperatures in nest boxes located on trees than in nest boxes on poles in the sun. Depending on the climate, it is important to consider variation in temperatures when adding nest boxes. Nest boxes have been used for years to increase breeding bird numbers for conservation and also in biological pest control projects. Barn owls (Tyto alba) have been used as biological pest control agents for rodents for years, and since nest boxes are costly for growers there is a need to determine whether nest box placement can increase the occupation of nest boxes and breeding success. We studied whether barn owl breeding in agricultural areas varied in nest boxes located on trees, poles located in the shade, and poles in the sun. The occupation of nest boxes was highest in nest boxes located on trees, followed by poles in the shade, and finally poles in the sun. In comparison, the number of fledglings was highest for nest boxes on poles in the sun followed by poles in the shade in the first half of the breeding season, whereas more nestlings were fledged in nest boxes on trees in the second part of the breeding season, which is most likely due to the higher internal temperatures in the nest boxes located in the sun. Interestingly, all the nest boxes' internal temperatures were lower than the ambient temperatures but were much lower on trees than those on poles, most likely due to the trees providing better protection from the heat. It is therefore important to not only consider the placement of nest boxes, but how occupation and breeding success may vary seasonally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive non‐native species (INNS) are one of the major threats to global biodiversity. Climate change and garden bird‐feeding may facilitate the establishment of INNS. The Red‐billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea is a small woodland passerine, native to subtropical Asia, that is an INNS in several parts of the world, including Europe, following escapes from the aviculture trade. Recently, populations of Red‐billed Leiothrix have established in Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. Previous studies have shown that much of Europe is suitable for the species, including southern Britain. The Red‐billed Leiothrix has not previously been considered as at high risk of establishment in Britain, but we document recent records, including a cluster in southern England, suggesting that establishment may already be underway. We discuss the potential negative impacts of this invasive species on local ecosystems, and how a warming climate and garden bird‐feeding might assist their establishment in temperate Europe. We also highlight the importance of improved recording to monitor the potential establishment of INNS, such as the Red‐billed Leiothrix, in Britain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation breeding programs can save species from extinction by establishing assurance populations that provide individuals for achieving species recovery goals in the wild. However, keeping animals in human care can result in the selection of phenotypes that may be suboptimal for post-release survival and reproduction. It is therefore essential that conservation breeding programs provide animals with naturalistic conditions that facilitate the performance of species-typical behaviors, an endeavor that is also a vital aspect of animal welfare. Here, we describe how we established a conservation breeding program for the 'Akikiki (Oreomystis bairdi), a Hawaiian honeycreeper that is facing imminent extinction in the wild. We share how we utilized the species' native habitat as a template for developing husbandry practices with a primary focus on how we simulate wild environmental conditions in enclosures, mimic naturalistic foraging experiences, and facilitate pair bonding and parental breeding behaviors., (© 2024 The Author(s). Zoo Biology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Conservation breeding programs for endangered species face challenges, notably in the development of husbandry techniques, complicated by the impracticality of conducting controlled experiments. To reduce uncertainty regarding what works in conservation breeding programs, it is essential to capture data. In avian breeding programs, the construction of quality nests and appropriate incubation and handling of eggs by the parents are essential prerequisites to the successful production of offspring. Here, we study factors influencing nest-building and parental incubation outcomes in 'alalā (Corvus hawaiiensis), which is extinct in the wild and numbers fewer than 130 individuals in human care. Using parent-incubated egg data from 2018 to 2021 (171 clutches, 55 pairs), we evaluated the role of husbandry factors in determining the quality of nests constructed by 'alalā and the likelihood of nest quality and other social and environmental factors to predict egg loss (breaking, cannibalization, or ejection of an egg from the nest). More than half of all eggs laid failed to reach the hatch date. Nest quality was the most influential predictor of egg loss, with eggs in higher quality nests more likely to reach the hatch date. Male age also influenced egg loss, with very young (3 years old) and older males (⪞12 years old) experiencing more egg loss. Furthermore, the two facilities and two aviary types also differed in the quality of nests 'alalā constructed, indicating that nest-building behavior can be influenced by husbandry practices. These findings reduce uncertainty and provide insights for recommended management interventions to facilitate successful reproduction in human care., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

In tropical regions, family farming is a form of production and work that is highly present in rural areas. Because the production system for free-range chickens has a low level of technification, it frequently presents massive infection by coccidia. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and diversity of Eimeria species in free-range chickens in northeastern Brazil. Fecal analyses were carried out using materials collected from 100 farms, belonging to 10 different municipalities. The sample from each farm was composed of five stool samples collected from different animals. Coproparasitological analyses were performed and, in each positive sample, photomicrographs of 20 oocysts were used for morphological identification of coccidia. The presence of Eimeria spp. was detected in 59% (59/100) of the farms analyzed. Species identification was performed through morphometric analysis of 1,180 sporulated oocysts. The following eight species of Eimeria spp. were found, in decreasing order of prevalence: Eimeria necatrix (25%), Eimeria mitis (18.3%), Eimeria mivati (17.3%), Eimeria tenella (12.4%), Eimeria brunetti (9.9%), Eimeria acervulina (9.1%), Eimeria praecox (4.8%) and Eimeria maxima (3.2%). The prevalence and diversity of Eimeria spp. on farms producing backyard chickens in the semiarid region of Brazil were high, especially the diversity of species. Changing the management, with the adoption of sanitary measures, may be effective in reducing the high prevalence of coccidia on the farms studied.

Despite numerous research findings related to medieval Chinese Buddhism, the witchcraft role of bird totems in Buddhist history has not received sufficient attention. In order to fill this gap, this paper analyzes how Buddhist monks in medieval China developed a close relationship with bird-totem worship. This relationship has been documented in Buddhist scriptures, rituals, oral traditions, biographies, and mural art. Although bird-totem worship was practiced in many regions of medieval China, this paper specifically examines the visual culture of bird totems in Tibetan and Chinese Buddhism. Furthermore, some details of this culture were recorded in Buddhist texts and images. According to these works, various bird-totem patterns and symbols are believed to be effective ritual arts used by Tibetan and Chinese Buddhist monks to influence nature and the supernatural through ritual and magic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Compendium of Veterinary Sciences / Compendio de Ciencias Veterinarias is the property of Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias de la Universidad Nacional de Asuncion and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revue d'élevage et de Médecine Vétérinaire des pays Tropicaux is the property of CIRAD and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cet article a eu pour objectif de décrire les stratégies d’implantation et d’organisation de l’aviculture commerciale dans la ville de Ziguinchor au Sénégal. La dynamique et le fonctionnement des circuits d’approvisionnement et de commercialisation des produits avicoles s’inscrivaient dans un contexte de croissance démographique, d’urbanisation rapide et d’émergence d’une classe moyenne. La commercialisation des produits avicoles associait plusieurs réseaux, des circuits et une multitude d’acteurs. Des entretiens ont été menés de 2018 à 2021 auprès de 35 aviculteurs et 10 vendeurs de poulets de chair, d’aliments pour volaille et d’œufs, répartis dans sept quartiers. En l’absence de listes exhaustives d’acteurs de la filière avicole et de bases de données fiables, chaque entretien a été facilité par la rencontre préalable de spécialistes du domaine ou par le bouche-à-oreille. Dans le contexte des nouveaux enjeux de l’alimentation de proximité, les résultats confirment que l’aviculture occupe une place centrale à Ziguinchor. Une nouvelle dynamique est observée depuis 2005. Elle résulte d’une nouvelle politique nationale et de stratégies d’installation – concentration, parfois délocalisation, des lieux de production et de commercialisation – encouragées par une demande croissante de la classe moyenne. Les résultats montrent également que divers acteurs animent les réseaux et les circuits d’approvisionnement et de commercialisation en produits avicoles, contribuant ainsi à l’augmentation des quantités produites et des revenus issus de la vente.

Turacos are birds used as status symbols in certain African cultures. Despite this cultural value, turacos are increasingly threatened by habitat loss and illegal hunting. We tested the hypothesis that the high cultural value associated with turacos means local people are willing to conserve them and their habitats. To this end, we examined the traditional uses of turacos and how their cultural value could facilitate conservation interventions. We administered an open-ended questionnaire to 180 households during January 2017–November 2019. We found the feathers of three species of turacos to be associated with qualities such as social esteem and power: Bannerman's turaco Tauraco bannermani (categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List), green turaco Tauraco persa (Least Concern) and great blue turaco Corythaeola cristata (Least Concern). People were generally supportive of efforts to protect turacos because of a strong connection between these birds and the local culture, supporting our hypothesis. This particularly applied to people of high social standing such as chiefs and village elders who use turaco feathers to gain public distinction. Feathers were also used by herbalists for traditional medicine, and hunters used the birds' calls as a time indicator. Feathers are generally obtained through opportunistic collection and a sustainable, traditional hunting system, but we also found that some people hunt turacos to sell them as pets. We recommend that conservation interventions make use of the cultural values associated with these iconic species, together with implementing alternative sources of livelihoods, to promote behaviours that help achieve conservation objectives in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how the health and social life of Hong Kong's elderly bird-keepers have been negatively impacted by a set of complex issues that intersect social and cultural change, urban development, and health concerns taking place in Hong Kong and its neighboring regions. The paper is a result of longitudinal qualitative study on the bird-keeping hobby shared by many elderly men. Using in-depth interviews of over a hundred bird-keepers and related business retailers and extensive fieldwork, the findings suggest that the practice of this traditional hobby has been challenged by complex and intersected factors: social, cultural, economic, and natural/environmental. The findings also reveal the impact of urban development and public policies on bird-keeping practices. The conclusion suggests how to form policies that can create quality places where Hong Kong's rapidly aging population can pursue their leisure for needed physical and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hematophagous mite Dermanyssus gallinae poses a serious sanitary problem in the Brazilian laying poultry industry. Its control is typically performed with acaricides, either in powder or liquid form. However, the intensive use of these products has caused populations of this species to develop tolerance and even resistance. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the response of eggs and adults of D. gallinae to products in aqueous suspension according to commercial indication and as per the recommendations of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. The study used four acaricide products (product 1: cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and piperonyl butoxide; product 2: alkyl-benzyl-dimethyl ammonium chloride, glutaraldehyde, deltamethrin; product 3: dichlorvos; product 4: fluralaner) tested in vitro using the contact method. Distilled water was used in the control group. The effectiveness of each of the products differed significantly between eggs and adults. Products 2, 3, and 4 caused 100% of adult mortality up to day 5 after start of treatment, product 1 97.5%. The corrected mortality (non-viability) of eggs was 21.4% (product 1) 39.4% (product 2), 47.8% (product 3), and 14.4% (product 4). Although the products evaluated were effective against adults of D. gallinae, their effectiveness against eggs was lower under the same conditions. This finding might be directly related to frequent D. gallinae reinfestations in poultry houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The implementation of productive strategies using semi-captivity hens under more familiar conditions to the natural behavior of the species requires adapted phenotypes. These populations require dual-purpose animals, which can produce meat and eggs as part of the current industrial aviculture. Aim. To evaluate the dynamic growth patterns and egg weight, compared to the commercial heavy breeders. Materials and methods: The body weight was checked weekly, between birth and 60 weeks, and the eggs were weighed between sexual maturity and the end of the cycle, in 100 Campero Casilda hens. The body weight data versus chronological age were adjusted according to the Gompertz model, and the egg's weekly weight versus egg age, according to the Weatherup & Foster model. The same adjustment was done to the data collected from the managing guides corresponding to heavy breeding hens Ross308® and Cobb500®. The average values of parameter estimators with a biological significance for the Gompertz and Weatherup & Foster for the Campero Casilda were compared to the reference values corresponding to the commercial breeders, using Student T for a single population sample. Results: Campero Casilda showed the best asymptotic body weight and lowest rate of maturation than the two reference genotypes. The asymptotic weight and egg maturation rates did not differ significantly from Ross308®, and were higher than Cobb500®. Conclusions: Campero Casilda showed a favorable combination of both dynamic patterns -body weight and egg weight. It is a choice of dual-purpose genotype for alternative poultry systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bird markets have a long tradition in Germany. They still play an important role for private pet bird keepers and breeders in the purchase and exchange of all types of pet birds. However, such events can result in stress for the animals on offer. Manual capture out of the usual husbandry environment, transportation to the bird market, housing in spatially confined sales cages, presentation in unfamiliar surroundings and also the effect of environmental stimuli through market visitors or any type of animals (irrespective if these are conspecifics or members of foreign species, in particular potential predators) must be categorized as potential stress factors. The presented review article summarizes results of an assessment of bird markets throughout Germany with regard to animal welfare aspects as part of the Exopet I study, funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) via the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food. Pros and Cons of bird markets are discussed. Shortcomings relevant to animal welfare were observed at all inspected bird markets. Observed deficiencies could be traced back predominantly to an inadequate problem awareness by the vendors, together with a lack of expertise and inadequate monitoring by the bird market organizers. Therefore, comprehensive monitoring of markets via professionally qualified supervisors must be regarded as a basic prerequisite for animal welfare-compliant organization of markets. Any deficiencies identified must be consistently punished and immediately remedied, not least as an educational measure. Furthermore, supervision by the authority responsible for animal welfare must be guaranteed through, among other aspects, appropriate risk-oriented on-site monitoring.

Background and Aim: Cryptococcal yeast cells are spread across different ecosystems through bird movement and are deposited in bird guano. These cells may be inhaled by humans and lead to cryptococcal pneumonia. In individuals with reduced immune T-cell populations, cells may disseminate to the brain and cause the often-deadly cryptococcal meningitis. In this study, we surveyed cryptococcal cells in bird droppings across the city of Bloemfontein, South Africa. Materials and Methods: We aseptically collected 120 bird dropping samples from 15 representative city sites. In the laboratory, samples were assessed with regards to location, weighed, and standardized to a mass of 1 g before suspension in 10 mL phosphate buffer saline. Samples were first screened using Calcofluor-white stain as it is a rapid technique for the detection of fungi via binding to cell wall components such as chitin. After this, positive Calcofluor samples were serologically assayed for the cryptococcal antigen (CrAg). To confirm assay data, CrAg positive samples were then cultured on bird seed agar and resulting colonies were assessed using Indian ink. Results: We determined that 10/15 locations were positive for the CrAg. Pathogenic cells were identified on bird seed agar as brown colonies. When examined using microscopy, brown colony cells exhibited characteristic thick capsules representative of cryptococcal cells. Conclusion: This is the first proximate analysis showing the ecological distribution of cryptococcal cells in Bloemfontein. This is important as associated infections are acquired from the environment. Similarly, given the threat posed by cryptococcal cells to immunocompromised individuals, local authorities must initiate measures curbing the spread of these cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this research study is to conduct a techno-economic feasibility assessment and a costbenefit analysis of an integrated system of fish production and poultry feeding that uses diets made from fish silage. Four farm systems are examined: 1) tilapia production, 2) tilapia production and fish viscera silage, 3) tilapia production and poultry fed with conventional raw materials, and 4) tilapia production and poultry fed with viscera silage and other raw materials. The parameters determined included investment costs, production, and break-even points. The financial indicators evaluated included net present value, internal rate of return, benefitcost ratio, and payback period. The two systems with silage production show significant economic viability in comparison with the control systems. It is concluded that using viscera to produce silage as a protein source for poultry feed is economically viable and environmentally friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and quality of eggs of laying hens of the Hisex Brown signage submitted to diets with the inclusion of pequi pulp flour. The experiment was conducted with a total duration of 63 days (3 periods of 21 days each), and 240 birds of the commercial lineage Hisex Brown were used at 35 weeks of age distributed in 30 experimental plots, with 2 birds in each, totaling 8 birds per plot. A completely randomized design was used with 5 treatments (inclusions of 0%; 0.125%; 0.250%; 0.375% and 0.5% of pequi pulp flour). The variables of egg performance and quality were submitted to linear and quadratic regression analysis at the level of 5% probability. No significant differences were observed for the inclusion levels of pequi pulp flour. The flour levels of pequi pulp tested in the present study were not sufficient to demonstrate improvements in the productive performance of birds and egg quality. Further research with higher inclusion percentages is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of this natural supplement.

Poultry meat is considered as a source of animal protein with high biological amino acids, many vitamins, and minerals. Food contamination with heavy metals is a major threat to humans and animals. Long-term exposure could have detrimental effects. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of lead in breast and liver tissues in poultry farms of Qom and Semnan provinces. A total of 50 samples of poultry production fields was randomly selected. After acid digestion, atomic absorption with the furnace was exploited to measure the lead concentrations. Based on statistical analysis, no significant difference was observed between the samples obtained from the two cities. Moreover, a significant (P< 0.05) difference was determined between the concentration of lead in the liver (0.40 ± 0.08 mg/kg) and breast tissue (0.28 ± 0.07 mg/kg) with the maximum allowance approved by the International Standard (0.1 mg/kg). The high levels of lead in the internal organs of the chickens could have originated from anthropogenic activities in the environment, contaminated feeds, and water fed to the chickens. Lead contamination in chicken is a potential public health hazard. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the concentration of lead in poultry meat and offal.

Aim: Genomic analysis of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain cultured from a non-migratory seabird at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago (Brazilian oceanic islands) was carried out to investigate the potential origin of MRSA genetic determinants in an ecological setting with minimal or absent antimicrobial selective pressure, and minimal interaction with humans and domestic animals. Results: The study determined mecA gene homology and the phylogenetic relatedness with mecA described in Staphylococcus sciuri, which was the major Staphylococcus spp. cultured from the birds. Our findings corroborate in silico assumptions that the mecA gene in MRSA strains clinically relevant for humans and animals originates from S. sciuri ancestors. Conclusion: Coagulase-negative staphylococci seem to be natural reservoirs of methicillin-resistant genes to S. aureus, even in environments with very low antimicrobial selection pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]