The ability to predict the effects of extreme climatic variables on livestock is important in terms welfare and performance. An index combining temperature humidity (THI) has been used for more than 4 decades assess heat stress cattle. However, THI does not include such as solar load wind speed (WS, m/s). Likewise, it management factors (the effect shade) or animal (genotype differences). Over 8 summers, a total 11,669 Bos taurus steers, 2,344 B. crossbred 2,142 x indicus 1,595 steers were...

A 120-d feedlot study using 164 Angus steers (BW = 396.7 ± 7.0 kg) was undertaken in Queensland Australia (24°84' S, 149°78' N) to determine the effect of shade on body temperature (T(B)) and performance. Cattle were allocated 20 pens: 16 with an area 144 m(2) (8 steers/pen) 4 168 (9 steers/pen). Treatments (10 pens/treatment) unshaded (NS) vs. shaded (SH). Shade (3.3 m(2)/steer) provided by 80% solar block cloth. Before (d -31), 63 implanted (between internal abdominal muscle peritoneum at...

Abstract The mining industry is an important source of noise for wildlife, and the eastern blue-tongued (EBT) lizard ( Tiliqua scincoides ) Australian animal that may be impacted. We analysed behaviour nine EBT lizards during after exposure 5 s to one five combinations machinery frequency amplitude (frequency < or > 2 kHz, low [60-65 dB (A)] high [70-75 amplitude, a control treatment). Following exposure, could leave test chamber enter escape chamber, which led into small hiding...

Abstract There is widespread transport of reptiles for the pet trade throughout world and ‘dead on arrival’ rates are high. The eastern blue tongued (EBT) lizard ( Tiliqua scincoides ; Order: Squamata; suborder: Lacertilia ) particularly popular due to its unusual tongue. Noise, vibration thermal discomfort known contributors stress. We analysed behaviour EBT lizards (n = 9) when exposed four these stimuli in a changeover design. Lizards were Heat (35°C), Cold (15°C), high or low frequency...

Animal species are seldom distributed evenly at either local or larger spatial scales, and instead tend to aggregate in sites that meet their resource requirements maximise fitness. This tendency is likely be especially marked arid regions where could expected concentrate resource-rich oases. In this study, we first test the hypothesis productive riparian Australia support higher vertebrate diversity than other desert habitats, then elucidate habitats selected by different species. We...

Background Under predicted climate change scenarios, koala distribution in Australia is expected to be adversely affected. Recent studies have attempted identify suitable habitat, based on models of bioclimatic regions, but more accurately reflect the thermal tolerance and behavioural adaptations various regional populations, koala's response periods heat stress will need investigated at individual animal level. Objective To explore safety suitability temperature‐sensitive intra‐abdominal...

This study investigated the efficacy of a synthetic progestogen, levonorgestrel (LNG), to control koala ovarian activity for purposes oestrous synchronisation. Captive koalas were administered either saline or 70-mg LNG implant on Day 2 oestrus. Urogenital cytology, behaviour and plasma oestradiol-17β LH concentrations monitored over 6-week period. After removal females determine if return oestrus was synchronised. LNG-treated immediately ceased displaying behaviour, showed no evidence...

The present study examined the effectiveness of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist azaline B to suppress plasma LH and 17β-oestradiol concentrations in koalas its potential application for oestrous synchronisation. In Experiment 1, single subcutaneous injections successfully blocked response exogenous mammalian (m) GnRH a dose-dependent manner; specifically, 0 mg (n = 4) did not response, 1 6) suppressed 24 h (P < 0.05), 3.3 8) significantly all animals only 3 although half...

Abstract The attitudes of experts towards the husbandry captive Great Apes was sought in order to gain a greater understanding potential importance different features environment that may be critical maintaining high standard welfare. Following initial consultation with convener Primate Taxon Advisory Group Australasian Regional Association Zoological Parks and Aquaria, 17 attributes, such as social structure group, enclosure size staff qualifications, each two four levels (ie scenarios)...

Objective To compare the heart rates of adult free‐range chickens ( G allus domesticus ) measured by auscultation with a stethoscope those simultaneously using electrocardiography ECG ). Methods With each bird in standing position, estimation rate was performed placing mark on paper for every 4 beats roosters and 8 hens as detected over 30 s, while simultaneous performed. Results Heart showed high correlation (r = 0.97) . Conclusion There between

To determine if anthropometric measurements of the Labrador scapula, humerus, ulna and radius, or their ratios, are related to presence elbow dysplasia (ED).Digital calliper lengths left radius ulna, were analysed by gender in 103 volunteer Labradors (41 dogs, 62 bitches) against ED radiological scores derived International Elbow Working Group (IEWG). The IEWG score is an umbrella used classify for includes fragmented coronoid process, osteochondritis dessicans, incongruity ununited anconeal...

This study investigated the seasonality of behavioural oestrus in a captive koala population south-east Queensland. A total 33 sexually mature koalas were examined over 4-year period (2009–12) to determine possible influence temperature, photoperiod and rainfall on incidence expression without confounding effect lactation or limiting food resource availability. Although signs detected throughout year, an obvious was apparent, with significantly fewer females displaying late autumn winter...

The southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) is a nocturnal, fossorial marsupial that has evolved range of physiological and behavioural adaptations to its semiarid environment. This study describes long-term core body temperature (Tb) L. latifrons in population with opportunities for thermoregulation through burrow use. Tb was measured hourly 12 captive using implanted dataloggers over 9-month period from late winter autumn. Data were examined daily patterns, seasonal changes,...

Context Transport of cattle can be stressful and may lead to increased body temperature. It is necessary quantify the effect transport on temperature so that informed management decisions made. Aims This study aimed determine effects a 5.5 h, 430 km road journey (TB) feedlot steers. Methods Body was obtained at 30 min intervals. All were weighed randomly allocated truck pen prior transport. Cattle transported single B-double truck, with three upper-deck lower-deck compartments. At 0630...

This study describes the growth of broiler chickens to two forms Gompertz function for application in production models. The first form is based on estimated mature weight (W-A), while second hatch (W-O). Both equations gave identical estimation because they are mathematically identical. To fit curve commercial broilers that marketed at 35-42 days, it unnecessary keep near maturity (> day 140) obtain data deriving function. does not improve fitting early growing period. Additionally, a high...

High heat loading has a negative effect on performance of feedlot cattle, and at times can causedeath. Cooling strategies such as sprinklers, fans or combination these are often used toreduce load effects cattle. There is some evidence that lack consistency in the durationand/or timing application cooling strategies, even use when cattleare not high risk may be detrimental to cattle by limiting their ability adapt hotconditions.<br><br>The aim this study was look inconsistent...