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PubMed1981

Blood parasites of birds in Central Europe. 3. Plasmodium and Haemoproteus.

The present paper is the third in the series on blood parasites of birds in Central Europe. It is devoted to the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus. Plasmodium has been found in 11.3% of birds belonging to 54 species, most abundant being in Galliformes and Columbiformes. On the other hand, this parasite seems to be absent in Anseriformes, Falconiformes, Hirundinidae and Sturnidae in Central Europe. Haemoproteus has been encountered in the studied region in 11.8% of birds belonging to 85 species. It is most abundant in Falconiformes, Strigiformes, Hirundinidae, Emberizidae, Fringillidae, Muscicapidae, Paridae and Turdidae, but it has not been encountered in Anseriformes. The paper also discusses the dependence of the incidence of these parasites on migratory ability of their hosts and on the nest ecology of birds. Moreover, an ecological outline is given of the representatives of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus in birds in Central Europe, mainly on the basis of the ecological model of avian malaria after Beaudoin et al. (1971).

Animals↗
PubMed1982

The intermediate host spectrum in a Sarcocystis species of birds.

The life cycle of an avian Sarcocystis has been completed in the laboratory, originating with naturally infected icterids and passing alternately between opossums (Didelphis virginiana) and experimentally infected birds. To determine the intermediate host range, six avian species, including canaries (Serinus canarius), zebra finches (Poephila guttata), budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), pigeons (Columba livia), chickens (Gallus gallus), and guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), were inoculated orally with Sarcocystis sporocysts derived from experimentally infected opossums. All birds but the Galliformes were susceptible to merogony. Pigeons (Columbiformes) were susceptible to early merogony but apparently not to muscle stages. Passeriformes and Psittaciformes were completely susceptible and the parasite developed into muscle cysts in them.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Allometric comparison of brain and main brain subdivisions in birds.

The brain weights and volumes of the main brain subdivisions: telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalic tegmentum, optic tectum, cerebellum and myelencephalon were measured in 8 species of Phasianoidea (Galliformes) and in 20 species of birds belonging to 13 orders. The sizes of these structures were compared using allometry formulae calculated for each structure from the 8 Phasianoidea. Encephalization and the relative size of the main brain subdivisions are expressed by size indices. Higher encephalization indices are obtained in species which are either highly telencephalized as in Psittaciformes or with a large cerebellum as in Sphenisciformes. The brainstem components: diencephalon, mesencephalic tegmentum and myelencephalon appear to be more conservative in their size variation than the telencephalon, cerebellum and optic tectum. The size of the cerebellum appears to be related to flight abilities. The size of the optic tectum is related to the importance of vision in foraging within the Charadriiformes. In tactile-feeding Charadriiformes and filter-feeding Anseriformes, the optic tectum is relatively small.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Two new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae), from local chickens (Gallus domesticus) in Saudi Arabia.

In this study, two new species of Eimeria parasitizing domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) are described. Species data were recorded as follow: Eimeria jeddahensis sp. n. with ovoidal occysts 23.5-29.2 x 17.5-22.4 (25.78 +/- 0.357 x 20.32 +/- 0.33) microns, with smooth single layered wall; bilobed polar granule and micropyle present. Sporocysts elongated ovoidal 10-13.5 x 6.3-8.0 (12.03 +/- 0.135 x 7.10 +/- 0.070) microns with a thick, knob like Stieda body and residuum. Eimeria waeli sp. n. with ellipsoidal oocysts 26.5-31.0 x 23.5-27.0 (28.30 +/- 0.327 x 25.30 +/- 0.278) microns with a double-layered wall; polar granule and micropyle present. Sporocysts ovoidal 13.5-16.0 x 7.0-9.5 (14.67 +/- 0.135 x 8.32 +/- 0.162) microns with distinct Stieda body and residuum. The host bird belongs to order Galliformes.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Plasmodium (Giovannolaia) pedioecetii from gallinaceous birds of Colorado.

Forty-nine Colorado birds of 6 galliform species were positive for Plasmodium (Giovannolaia) pedioecetii which we feel to be the same parasite described by Wetmore (1939) from a shaptailed grouse from North Dakota. Except for its presence in Darwin's tinamou (Nothura darwinii) from Colorado, it has been reported only from gallinaceous birds. Most stages were predominantly subpolar to polar. There were a daily 8 am to noon peak of merozoite production, but no synchronicity. Merozoite number ranged from 8 to 22, with a mean of 10.9. Gametocytes were long and slender, some curving around one end of the host nucleus.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Increased egg estradiol concentration feminizes digit ratios of male pheasants (Phasianus colchicus).

The length ratio between individual digits differs between males and females in humans, other mammals, lizards, and one bird species. Sexual dimorphism in digit ratios and variation among individuals of the same sex may depend on differential exposure to androgens and estrogens during embryonic life. Organizational effects of sex hormones could cause the observed correlations between digit ratios and diverse phenotypic traits in humans. However, no study has investigated experimentally the effect of prenatal estrogens on digit ratios. We analyzed the effect of estradiol injection in ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) eggs on digit ratios. Males from control eggs had higher ratios between the second or third and the fourth digit of the right foot compared to females. Estradiol-treated eggs produced males with lower (feminized) right foot second to fourth digit ratio. Thus, we provided the first experimental evidence that prenatal exposure to physiologically high estrogen levels affects bird digit ratios.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Lead concentrations in ruffed grouse, rock ptarmigan, and willow ptarmigan in Québec.

Between 1996 and 1998, ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, willow ptarmigan, and rock ptarmigan harvested by hunters in Québec were examined for lead contamination. On examination of the gizzards of these birds, lead shot was found only in ruffed grouse (1.2%). The probability of ingestion of lead shot by grouse and ptarmigans is low. Analyses of the lead concentrations in the wing bones of grouse and ptarmigans and in the muscle tissue of ptarmigans were conducted. Although differences were observed between individuals based on age and sex, the mean concentrations measured were in the range of those that occur naturally at background levels (<6 microg/g dw). Lead concentrations in muscle tissue were low, often at the limit of detection. However, the few high concentrations detected were probably related to a lead pellet or bullet fragment. Based on an analysis of the health risk associated with consumption of ptarmigan muscle, we conclude that the use of lead ammunition for hunting gallinaceous birds may pose an unnecessary risk of lead poisoning because of the possible ingestion of lead shot, bullets, fragments or embedded shot.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Interactions between population processes in a cyclic species: parasites reduce autumn territorial behaviour of male red grouse.

The causes of population cycles fascinate and perplex ecologist. Most work have focused on single processes, whether extrinsic or intrinsic, more rarely on how different processes might interact to cause or mould the unstable population dynamics. In red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus), two causal mechanisms have been supported: territorial behaviour (changes in autumn aggressiveness) and parasites (parasite induced reduction in fecundity). Here, we report on how these two regulatory processes might interact, by testing whether the parasite suspected to cause the grouse cycles, the nematode Trichostrongylus tenuis, reduces male autumn territorial behaviour. We either treated males with an anthelmintic, to remove parasites (dosed or D-males), or challenged them with infective T. tenuis larvae, to increase parasite intensity (challenged or C-males). We first show that dosing was effective in removing T. tenuis parasites, while parasite intensities increased in challenged birds during the autumn. Because old males initially had more parasites than young males, the treatments generated greater differences in parasite intensity in old than in young males. We also show that various aspects of territorial behaviour (increase in testosterone-dependent comb size in autumn, territorial call rate, likelihood of winning territorial interactions and over-winter survival) were significantly higher in dosed than in challenged males, but in old birds only. Our data thus supported the hypothesis that parasites reduce male aggressiveness during the autumn territorial contests, and could thereby influence recruitment. Our results also highlight that the territorial behaviour of young males, which have fewer parasites, is not as limited by parasites as that of old, previously territorial males. We discuss the implications of these findings for our understanding of the processes regulating red grouse populations and causing their complex, unstable population dynamics.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2006

Co-circulation of distinct genetic lineages of astroviruses in turkeys and guinea fowl.

Viruses belonging to the genus Astrovirus have been increasingly associated with enteritis in mammalian and avian species, including turkeys. More recently, astroviruses have also been detected in diseased guinea fowl. In turkeys, two genetically distinct types of astrovirus have been reported, namely turkey astrovirus 1 and 2 (TAstV1 and TAstV2). The prevalence and the pathogenesis of astrovirus infections in this species is currently unknown, with the exception of data generated in the USA. In the present report, we have demonstrated the co-circulation of distinct genetic lineages of astroviruses infecting turkeys and guinea fowl. The predominant lineage infecting turkeys is genetically related to the American TAstV2, but genetic variability within this lineage was demonstrated. Other isolates appeared to be either TastV1-related or unrelated to any other known isolate. Astroviruses infecting guinea fowl were more closely related to TAstV2, and interspecies transmissions between turkeys and guinea fowl is suggested as a possible mechanism by which these viruses may have evolved, based on the genetic data available. This investigation provides genetic and epidemiological information contributing to a better understanding of enteric viral infections in turkeys and guinea fowl.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Call recognition in chicks of the Australian brush-turkey (Alectura lathami).

Most birds rely on imprinting and experience with conspecifics to learn species-specific recognition cues. Australian brush-turkeys (Alectura lathami) do not imprint and form no bonds with parents. They hatch asynchronously, disperse widely and meet juvenile conspecifics at an unpredictable age. Nevertheless, in captivity, hatchlings respond to other chicks. A recent study, which involved the use of robotic models, found that chicks prefer to approach robots that emit specific visual cues. Here, we evaluated their response to acoustic cues, which usually play an important role in avian social cognition. However, in simultaneous choice tests, neither 2-day-old nor 9-day-old chicks preferred the choice arm with playback of either chick or adult conspecific calls over the arm containing a silent loudspeaker. Chicks of both age classes, however, scanned their surroundings more during chick playback, and the response was thus consistent in younger and older chicks. We also presented the chicks with robotic models, either with or without playback of chick calls. They did not approach the calling robot more than they did the silent robot, indicating that the combination of visual and acoustic cues does not evoke a stronger response. These results will allow further comparison with species that face similar cognitive demands in the wild, such as brood parasites. Such a comparative approach, which is the focus of cognitive ecology, will enable us to further analyse the evolution and adaptive value of species recognition abilities.

Animal Communication↗
PubMed2005

Phylogeny and molecular evolution of Tetraogallus in China.

In total, 535 nucleotides in the mtDNA cytochrome b have been sequenced in Tetraogallus. The 53 variable sites define 16 haplotypes in 53 Tetraogallus himalayensis samples, 1 haplotype in 2 T. altaicus samples, and 6 haplotypes in 19 T. tibetanus samples. The lowest genetic distance is between T. himalayensis and T. altaicus (0.011). The divergent time is 0.69 Ma BP between T. himalayensis and T. altaicus, 4.06 Ma BP between T. himalayensis and T. tibetanus, and 4.19 Ma BP between T. altaicus and T. tibetanus. The evidence of this work showed that T. altaicus should fall under the dark-bellied group of Tetraogallus. The dark-bellied and white-bellied speciation first occurred along with the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. A maximum glacier (0.80-0.60 Ma BP) led to the formation of T. altaicus.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Genetic structure of Przewalski's rock partridge (Alectoris magna) populations in the Longzhong Loess Plateau, China.

In this paper, we have analyzed the nuclear DNA of Alectoris magna samples, collected from the Longzhong Loess Plateau. We used allelic variation at eight microsatellite markers to describe the genetic structure of A. magna populations. The primary goal of this study was to examine the population genetic structure and determine the extent of population differentiation among populations of A. magna. The average value of H(E) (0.455) was smaller than H(O) (0.477), and there was a heterozygote deficit at the MCW135 locus in the Lanzhou population and the Beidao population. The AB063167 locus in each population (except that of Jingyuan) was not in equilibrium (P < 0.05). The Lixian edge population had a lower proportion of genetic diversity than the central geographic populations; the Haiyuan and Jingyuan populations had higher genetic diversity than the central geographic populations. Analysis of population structure revealed clear differentiation among the eight populations of A. magna, suggesting strong isolation of these populations and correspondingly low levels of migration or gene flow. The A. magna populations of Longzhong Loess Plateau are separated into eastern and western populations by a clustering chart. Genetic data indeed suggest that patterns of speciation and population diversification of A. magna in the Longzhong Plateau have been affected by the stability of the climate, natural selection, and human intervention.

Alleles↗
PubMed2005

Morphometric studies on the testis of Korean ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus karpowi) during the breeding and non-breeding seasons.

The purpose of this study was to obtain detailed quantitative information on all cell types in the testis interstitium of Korean ring-necked pheasants and to combine these data with changes in the steroidogenic function of the testis during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. For animals collected during the breeding season, their testis weights, sperm production, serum testosterone levels and leuteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulated testosterone secretion were significantly (p < 0.01) increased compared to the non-breeding season. Testes of the pheasants during the non-breeding season displayed a 98% reduction in testis volume that was associated with a decrease in the absolute volume of seminiferous tubules (98% reduction), tubular lumen (100%), interstitium (90%), blood vessels (84%), lymphatic spaces (97%), Leydig cells (79%), mesenchymal cells (51%) and myoid cells (61%) compared to the breeding season. The numbers of Leydig cells, mesenchymal cells and myoid cells per testis in the breeding season were much higher than in the non-breeding season. Although the mean volume of a Leydig cell was 74% lower in the non-breeding season, the mean volumes of myoid and mesenchymal cells remained unchanged. These results demonstrate that there are striking differences in the testicular structure of the Korean ring-necked pheasant during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Every structural parameter of the Leydig cell was positively correlated with both testosterone serum levels and LH-stimulated testosterone secretion. The correlation of changes in hormonal status with the morphometric alterations of Leydig cells suggests that the Korean-ring necked pheasant may be used as a model to study structure-function relationships in the avian testis.

Animals↗