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[Studies of the energy and crude protein requirements of young fattening geese. 1. Influence of varying energy and crude protein levels in the feed on fattening performance parameters].

In 5 trials using a total of 5367 geese (Deutsche Legagans male X White Italian Goose female), the influence of varying energy and crude protein levels in the feed on fattening performance was studied. After a uniform 4-week starter period (1st to 28th days of life) rations with conventional components were fed, their energy and crude protein levels ranging from 500 to 620 energetic feed equivalents (poultry) and 140 to 180 g CP, respectively. Subsequently, a test under commercial conditions was made to compare the optimal variant found (530 energetic feed equivalents-poultry/175 g CP) with a high-energy feed (620 energetic feed equivalents/175 g CP). As the energy concentration of the feed increased the live weight was not found to rise but slightly. At all energy levels under study, increasing crude protein from 140 to 180 g/5g resulted in higher gains. Feed expenditure was found to decrease as the energy concentration of the rations went up. High energy expenditure did not produce but slightly higher weight gains. Fattening beyond 56 days resulted in considerably higher energy expenditure.

Amino Acids↗

Body condition, migration, and timing of reproduction in snow geese: a test of the condition-dependent model of optimal clutch size.

The seasonal decline of avian clutch size may result from the conflict between the advantage of early breeding (greater offspring value) and the advantage of a delay in lay date (improved body condition and hence clutch size). We tested predictions of a condition-dependent individual optimization model based on this trade-off (Rowe et al. 1994) in a long-distance migrant, the greater snow goose (Chen caerulescens atlantica), using data on condition, migration, and reproductive decisions of individuals. We closely tracked radio-marked females at their main spring staging area and on their breeding grounds. Our results were consistent with predictions of the model. Early-arriving females had a longer prelaying period and initiated their nests earlier than late arrivals. After controlling statistically for arrival date, we determined that females with high premigration condition had an earlier lay date than those in low condition. After controlling for the seasonal decline (i.e., lay date), we observed that clutch size was not related to premigration condition. Moreover, we took advantage of an unplanned manipulation of the prebreeding condition that occurred during our long-term study. We found that a reduction in condition caused a delay in lay date. However, after controlling for the seasonal decline, it did not affect clutch size. Our study indicates that geese simultaneously adjust their lay date and clutch size according to their premigration condition and migratory behavior as predicted by the condition-dependent optimization model.

Animals↗

Sites of organic acid production and pattern of digesta movement in the gastrointestinal tract of geese.

Sixteen geese were used to assess the movement of fluid and particulate digesta through their gastrointestinal tracts and to determine the diurnal variation in organic acid levels for the various segments of the tract. Fluid (polyethylene glycol and chronium-labeled ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and particulate markers (2 and 5 mm long) were administered with the meal. Animals were killed at given intervals after the administration of markers. The gastrointestinal tract was divided into nine segments for measurement of markers, pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and lactic acid contents. The data indicated a rapid evacuation of fluid marker from the foregut (crop, ventriculus, and proventriculus), while particulate markers were retained for extended periods of time. Retention of fluid marker was observed only within the cecum. Retrograde movement of particulate marker was demonstrated from the duodenum to ventriculus and proventriculus. Retrograde movement of fluid marker was observed from the cloaca to the colon, cecum, and distal third of the small intestine. However, particulate marker showed no retrograde movement in these segments of tract. Highest VFA levels were observed in the cecum. Retention of digesta and production of VFA within the colon were less than those noted for the dog, pig and pony. Lactic acid comprised less than 10% of the organic acids present in the gastrointestinal tract and were at their highest levels in the proximal and mid small intestine.

Animals↗

The cytogenetics of domestic geese.

Hybrids were produced between an African male and several Pilgrim female domestic geese. Partial karyotypes revealed a difference in the fourth largest pair of autosomal chromosomes. This chromosome pair was metacentric in the African, submetacentric in the Pilgrim, and heteromorphic in the hybrids. A similar difference between the putative wild ancestors of the African and Pilgrim breeds has been reported by others. These findings provide cytological evidence to support the traditional opinion that the African breed was derived from the Asiatic swan goose (Anser cygnoides) and the Pilgrim breed was derived from the European greylag goose (Anser anser).

Animals↗

Coenonia anatina gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel bacterium associated with respiratory disease in ducks and geese.

Taxon 1502 was originally described as a Riemerella anatipestifer-like bacterium causing exudative septicaemia in ducks and geese. In the present study, an integrated genotypic and phenotypic approach was used to elucidate the phylogenetic affiliation and taxonomic relationships of 12 strains of taxon 1502. Whole-cell protein and fatty acid analyses and an extensive biochemical examination by using conventional tests and several API microtest systems indicated that all isolates formed a homogeneous taxon, which was confirmed by DNA-DNA hybridizations. 16S rDNA sequence analysis of a representative strain (LMG 14382T) indicated that this taxon belongs to the Cytophaga-Flavobacterium-Bacteroides phylum and revealed a moderate but distinct relationship to species of the genus Capnocytophaga (overall 16S rDNA sequence identities were 88.8-90.2%). Taxon 1502 is concluded to represent a single species that should be allocated to a novel genus, and the name Coenonia anatina gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The DNA G + C content of representative strains was 35-36 mol% and the type strain is LMG 14382T.

Animals↗

Molecular identification and characterization of novel coronaviruses infecting graylag geese (Anser anser), feral pigeons (Columbia livia) and mallards (Anas platyrhynchos).

In light of the finding of a previously unknown coronavirus as the aetiology of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), it is probable that other coronaviruses, than those recognized to date, are circulating in animal populations. Here, the results of a screening for coronavirus are presented, using a universal coronavirus RT-PCR, of the bird species graylag goose (Anser anser), feral pigeon (Columbia livia) and mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Coronaviruses were found in cloacal swab samples from all the three bird species. In the graylag goose, 40 of 163 sampled birds were coronavirus positive, whereas two of 100 sampled pigeons and one of five sampled mallards tested positive. The infected graylag geese showed lower body weights compared with virus-negative birds, suggesting clinical significance of the infection. Phylogenetic analyses performed on the replicase gene and nucleocapsid protein sequences, indicated that the novel coronaviruses described in the present study all branch off from group III coronaviruses. All the novel avian coronaviruses harboured the conserved s2m RNA structure in their 3' untranslated region, like other previously described group III coronaviruses, and like the SARS coronavirus. Sequencing of the complete nucleocapsid gene and downstream regions of goose and pigeon coronaviruses, evidenced the presence of two additional open reading frames for the goose coronavirus with no sequence similarity to known proteins, but with predicted transmembrane domains for one of the encoded proteins, and one additional open reading frame for the pigeon coronavirus, with a predicted transmembrane domain, downstream of the nucleocapsid gene.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

Temporal and intrapopulation variation in prey choice of wintering geese determined by stable isotope analysis.

1. Individual variability in prey preferences can have marked effects on many demographic parameters from individual survival and fecundity to the vital rates of entire populations. A population level response is ultimately determined by individual prey choices; however, the effect of individual dietary choice is often overlooked. 2. We determined prey choice by individual consumers, light-bellied Brent geese Branta bernicla, during the overwintering period. Two hundred and eighty-one individuals were sampled at distinct temporal points over two winters. Stable isotopic ratios of carbon and nitrogen for blood cells and blood plasma, from each sampled individual were measured. Isotopic ratios for potential prey items were also measured. 3. Delta15N and delta13C for blood samples were both significantly different between sample months. Generally we found a decrease in both isotopic ratios during the course of the winter. All potential prey items were also isotopically distinct. Multisource mixing models (isosource) were used to determine the range of possible contribution to the diet of individuals. 4. During early winter, diet consisted almost exclusively of sea grass Zostera spp. The level of Zostera spp. in the diet dropped until mid-winter, and was supplemented by the utilization of green algae Ulva lactuca, and Enteromorpha spp., and terrestrial grasses. Terrestrial grass comprised an increasing proportion of the diet in late winter, representing virtually the exclusive food source by April. 5. By examining intrapopulation variability in resource utilization we highlight a number of ecologically important factors not addressed by previous population level studies.

Animals↗

Seasonal changes in the behavior and plasma titers of various hormones in barheaded geese, Anser indicus.

A number of behavioral and physiological parameters including the circulating levels of 7 hormones were investigated in a free ranging population of barheaded geese in Seewiesen, W. Germany. Behavioral data were collected on the entire flock from which seasonal changes in the frequencies were determined. In addition, data on the behavior of individuals were obtained to aid in the comparison of seasonal changes in behavior and hormones. The resulting curves were used to examine whether the annual changes in the frequencies of various behaviors were related to changes in circulating hormonal concentrations. Lastly, the physiological data were discussed with regard to reproductive biology in birds.

Animals↗

Isolation and identification of Vibrio metschnicovii from domestic ducks and geese.

Seven Vibrio-like field strains of German origin were isolated culturally from diseased domesticated ducks, muscovy ducks and geese, and were compared with reference strains NCTC 8443 (type strain) and NCTC 11170 of Vibrio metschnicovii using classical phenotypic and chemotaxonomic tests. Some V. cholerae strains were included in the chemotaxonomic tests for comparative purposes. On the basis of the classical phenotypic characteristics studied and the numerical analysis of the whole-cell fatty acid patterns, the Vibrio-like field strains were identified as Vibrio metschnicovii. The identification tables and the database of the computer software of two commercial micro-identification kits (API-20 NE, ID-32 E) did not identify the field strains. Of the reference strains used, only NCTC 8443 was correctly identified by the ID-32 E software.

Animals↗

West Nile fever in Israel 1999-2000: from geese to humans.

West Nile virus (WNV) caused disease outbreaks in Israel in the 1950s and the late 1970s. In 1998 an outbreak of WNV in goose farms and evidence of infection in dead migratory birds were reported. Consequently, human diagnostic services for WNV were resumed, including virus isolation, serology, and RT-PCR. Risk factors for infection were assessed by a serological survey in 1999, which revealed a seroprevalence of (a) 86% in people who had close contact with sick geese, (b) 28% in people in areas along bird migration routes, and (c) 27% in the general population. Following two fatal cases in Tel Aviv in September 1999 and one encephalitis case in the southern Eilot region, a regional serological survey was initiated there. The survey revealed two more WNV-associated acute encephalitis cases, an IgG seroprevalence of 51%, and an IgM seroprevalence of 22%. In the summer of 2000, acute cases of WN disease were identified in the central and northern parts of Israel, involving 439 people. The outbreak started in mid-August, peaked in September, and declined in October, with 29 fatal cases, primarily in the elderly. During the outbreak, diagnosis was based on IgM detection. Four virus isolates were subsequently obtained from preseroconverted frozen sera. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of 1662 bases covering the PreM, M, and part of the E genes revealed two lineages. One lineage was closely related to a 1999 Israeli bird (gull) isolate and to a 1999 New York bird (flamingo) isolate, and the other lineage was closely related to a 1997 Romanian mosquito isolate and to a 1999 Russian human brain isolate.

Adult↗

Disease of geese caused by a new herpesvirus.

A goose flock farmed outdoors in south-eastern Queensland suffered an outbreak of peracute disease with high death rate (97%). Small button ulcers and large plaques overlying lymphocyte aggregates were present on the mucosa of the small intestine of affected birds. Small white foci of necrosis and focal haemorrhages were seen in the livers. Numerous intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed microscopically in hepatocytes and a herpesvirus which grew rapidly in chicken kidney cells was isolated from tissues. Duck virus enteritis (DVE) was suspected but DVE antiserums failed to neutralise the virus. Further serological studies with a limited range of known avian herpesviruses have failed to identify the virus. Experimental transmission resulted in high mortality in geese (100%), lower mortality in ducklings and nil mortality in chickens. Surveillance studies showed no evidence of infection in domestic and wild birds beyond the original farm and the infection appears not to have been established in the area. Wild ducks, which were frequent visitors to the farm dam, were considered the most likely source of the infection.

Animals↗

Histology of the iris in geese and ducks photosensitized by ingestion of Ammi majus seeds.

Geese and ducks were photosensitized by the ingestion of Ammi majus seeds, and exposure to sunlight. Mydriasis was a characteristic clinical feature of this syndrome in both species. Histologically the iris of the affected birds showed vacuolisation and varying degrees of atrophy of the muscle of the sphincter pupillae. The effect of pilocarpine and physostigmine on the normal and mydriatic eyes was studied. The possible mode of action of photosensitization and the significance of these findings in the light of the use of psoralens in human medicine is discussed.

Animals↗

Cardiovascular responses to salt-loading in conscious domestic geese.

1. The intravenous injection of large volumes of 0.5 M-NaCl that are usually used to induce nasal gland secretion in marine birds has been shown in geese to increase greatly plasma volume, cardiac output, heart rate and stroke volume at the time secretion commences after 2-8 min.2. There were no consistent changes in mean arterial blood pressure or in the distribution of the cardiac output to major organs except to the salt-glands whose share increased approximately fourteenfold. Salt-gland blood flow remained high for 10-20 min after cardiac output and heart rate had returned to nearly normal levels.3. The increases in plasma volume and venous return are unlikely to be the stimuli for salt-gland secretion because secretion was also initiated by giving artificial sea water into the proventriculus and this produced no changes in these variables at the time secretion commenced, 5-14 min later.4. At the start of secretion in orally loaded birds, the only detectable changes in the plasma were small increases in osmolality (from 1.3 to 4.6%), Na (from 0.3 to 6%) and Cl (from 1.3 to 7.1%) concentrations.

Animals↗

Adaptive hyperplasia and compensatory growth in the salt glands of ducks and geese.

1. The incorporation of [3H]thymidine into salt-gland DNA has been studied in vivo and in vitro during adaptation of birds to salt water. 2. No increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation in vivo was apparent in birds on salt water for 0.25 and 1 day compared with those on fresh water. However, by 2 days there was a marked increase. At 7 and 14 days, incorporation was again low but by these later stages the DNA content of the glands was significantly increased. 3. Increased incorporation of [3H]thymidine was also evident in salt-gland slices incubated in vitro from birds on salt water for 2 or 4 days, but not for 14 days, compared with those on fresh water. 4. It is concluded that hyperplasia, as well as the hypertrophy demonstrated previously, occurs as part of the over-all adaptive response of the salt glands during the continual ingestion of salt water, but that the time course of the two processes is different. 5. In geese with one salt gland removed, no indication of compensatory growth of the remaining gland was evident in birds kept on fresh water for 24 days. In such birds on salt water for 14 days, some compensatory growth occurred but, as judged by measurements of DNA, RNA and protein, this could be ascribed to hypertrophy.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria associated with the gut of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) and whistling swans (Cygnus columbianus columbianus).

Aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria from the intestinal tracts of swans and geese were isolated and characterized as part of a larger study of the microbiological effects of migratory waterfowl on water quality. A total of 356 isolates were identified by using rapid identification methods and classified by using numerical taxonomy. A diverse population of bacteria was recovered from the waterfowl, and representative strains could be classified into 21 phena. The majority of the aerobic, heterotrophic bacteria found in the gut of the waterfowl were species of Enterobacteriaceae. Streptococcus. Lactobacillus, and Bacillus. Unfortunately, the birds that were examined did not harbor significant numbers of any waterfowl-specific bacterial species. Thus, it may not be possible to assess microbiological impact of migratory waterfowl by using and "indicator" species since avian fecal pollution could not be distinguished from animal and human fecal pollution.

Aerobiosis↗

Giardia sp. cysts and infectious Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in the feces of migratory Canada geese (Branta canadensis).

Fecal droppings of migratory Canada geese, Branta canadensis, collected from nine sites near the Chesapeake Bay (Maryland), were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia spp. Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts were found in feces at seven of nine sites, and Giardia cysts were found at all nine sites. The oocysts from three sites were infectious for mice and molecularly identified as the zoonotic genotype of Cryptosporidium parvum. Waterfowl can disseminate infectious C. parvum oocysts in the environment.

Animals↗

Body composition, energy expenditure, and plasma metabolites in long-term fasting geese.

Starvation in 15 geese (mean initial body mass, m = 6.3 kg) fasting for about 40 days (mean decrease in m = 2.5 kg) was characterized by three periods. Period I (3-8 days), an adaptation period, was marked by a considerable decrease in the daily rate of change in m (dm) as well as in resting metabolic rate (RMR), and by high fat mobilization. In period II (a period of economy) the decreases in dm, RMR, and daily rate of nitrogen excretion (dne) were reduced: when expressed per unit of body mass these rates were either constant or decreased slightly. Period III, a critical period, was characterized by a rapid increase in both dm and dne that appeared when body mass had dropped to 4.7-3.2 kg. In parallel there was a greater decrease in intracellular fluid volume below 5 kg. Throughout the fast, in contrast to fasting mammals, plasma glucose and alanine concentrations were maintained at high levels (8-10 and 0.4 mM, respectively), and there was no increase in acetoacetate. However, after 20 days of fasting, plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate concentration (beta-OHB) increased to about 20 mM, while blood pH remained constant and blood PCO2 decreased. Thus, compensation for metabolic acidosis was partly attributed to respiratory alkalosis. Throughout the fast, the variations in beta-OHB were a mirror image of those for daily changes in body mass and in nitrogen excretion. This presumably reflects a hormonal change, but might also suggest a key role of beta-OHB in the control of energy expenditure and/or in regulation of body mass as well as in protein sparing.

Adipose Tissue↗