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  1. Article ; Online: Intraspecific Interactions Decrease Stress Affecting Welfare in Shelter Dogs

    Sara Corsetti / Eugenia Natoli / Rupert Palme / Emanuela Viggiano

    Animals, Vol 13, Iss 1828, p

    A Comparison of Four Different Housing Conditions

    2023  Volume 1828

    Abstract: Shelters are stressful environments for domestic dogs ( Canis familiaris ). Evaluating dogs’ welfare is crucial to improve their life condition and to promote a better management of shelters. We aimed at verifying which variables improved welfare in 10 ... ...

    Abstract Shelters are stressful environments for domestic dogs ( Canis familiaris ). Evaluating dogs’ welfare is crucial to improve their life condition and to promote a better management of shelters. We aimed at verifying which variables improved welfare in 10 shelter dogs ((hosted in the shelter “Centro cinofilo Caerite” in Bracciano (Rome)) by analysing their behavioural responses in different environmental conditions. Furthermore, faecal samples were taken to measure cortisol metabolites (CM), a non-invasive method to evaluate adrenocortical activity in dogs. Dogs were observed for a total of 400 h in 4 different cage conditions: (i) alone in a cage; ii) alone in an enriched cage; (iii) in cage with conspecifics; (iv) in cage with regular interaction with humans outside the cage. Alone in the cage situation showed highest frequencies of displacement activities (Friedman test: χ 2 = 13.32; p = 0.004). In contrast, being in the cage with conspecifics seems to reduce displacement activity frequency, as well as the level of faecal cortisol metabolites (Friedman test: χ 2 = 8.04; p = 0.045). Our results suggest that conspecifics’ presence is the best way to reduce stress in shelter dogs. This research could provide some useful guidelines for managing shelters and improving dogs’ life condition.
    Keywords domestic dog ; shelter ; welfare ; behaviour ; cortisol ; Veterinary medicine ; SF600-1100 ; Zoology ; QL1-991
    Subject code 630
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-05-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  2. Article ; Online: Yearly Variations in GCM Concentrations in Female Mountain Hares ( Lepus timidus ) and the Effect of Pregnancy

    Maik Rehnus / Rupert Palme

    Animals, Vol 11, Iss 2710, p

    2021  Volume 2710

    Abstract: The measurement of glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs) in faeces has become a widely used and effective tool for evaluating the amount of stress experienced by animals. However, the potential sampling bias resulting from an oversampling of individuals in ... ...

    Abstract The measurement of glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs) in faeces has become a widely used and effective tool for evaluating the amount of stress experienced by animals. However, the potential sampling bias resulting from an oversampling of individuals in different states of pregnancy has rarely been investigated. In this study, we validate a noninvasive method for measuring gestagen metabolites in female mountain hares ( Lepus timidus ) under controlled conditions. We also measured the concentration of gestagen metabolites of females in a free-ranging population during the early breeding and post-breeding periods from 2014 to 2019. We found significant yearly variations in gestagen metabolites, which were related to the condition of the females due to the snow cover duration before and at the start of the reproduction period. GCMs were significantly influenced by the gestagen metabolite levels. These results are important for improving the interpretation of GCM concentrations in free-ranging populations during the breeding and reproductive periods.
    Keywords Alps ; noninvasive genetic sampling ; pellets ; stress hormones ; reproduction ; season ; Veterinary medicine ; SF600-1100 ; Zoology ; QL1-991
    Subject code 590
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-09-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  3. Article ; Online: Season‐dependent impact of forage quality on stress in alpine chamois

    Luca Corlatti / Rupert Palme / Teresa G. Valencak / Kimberlina Marie Gomez

    Ecology and Evolution, Vol 13, Iss 5, Pp n/a-n/a (2023)

    2023  

    Abstract: Abstract Chronically heightened stress levels in wildlife species may have detrimental effects on individual life history traits, for example, through the increased likelihood of disease, parasitic infections, and overall reduced fitness. Understanding ... ...

    Abstract Abstract Chronically heightened stress levels in wildlife species may have detrimental effects on individual life history traits, for example, through the increased likelihood of disease, parasitic infections, and overall reduced fitness. Understanding the drivers of stress may thus have great potential for informing wildlife conservation. Although the role of climate and individual status is well studied in stress ecology, the impact of related stressors such as dietary quality is of increasing interest to wildlife research and conservation. In this study, fecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) in Alpine chamois Rupicapra r. rupicapra used as bioindicators of stress, and their relationship with forage quality—measured as the percentage of fecal crude protein (CP)—were investigated. Data collection took place in 2011 and 2012 in the Gran Paradiso National Park (Western Italian Alps), on 22 individually marked adult males. The relationship between FCMs and CPs was analyzed through linear models and separated between winter and summer months, accounting for the effect of potentially confounding exogenous and endogenous variables. After AICc‐based model selection, we found that forage quality was negatively related to FCM levels in Alpine chamois during the summer months, meaning that higher quality forage was associated with the decreased expression of stress hormones. However, during the winter months, we did not find a significant relationship, potentially as a result of forage quality being ubiquitously poor. Although the mechanisms through which dietary variations impact FCM concentrations in wildlife populations are largely unknown, the occurrence of significant relationships between forage quality and stress levels supports potentially important implications for the long‐term effect of climatic changes on the fitness of wildlife populations.
    Keywords climate change ; crude protein ; diet ; glucocorticoids ; Rupicapra ; stressor ; Ecology ; QH540-549.5
    Subject code 333
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-05-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Wiley
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  4. Article ; Online: Evolution of an increased performance under acute challenge does not exacerbate vulnerability to chronic stress

    Małgorzata M. Lipowska / Edyta T. Sadowska / Rupert Palme / Paweł Koteja

    Scientific Reports, Vol 12, Iss 1, Pp 1-

    2022  Volume 16

    Abstract: Abstract An adequate stress response plays a vital role in coping with challenges. However, if selection for improved coping with an acute challenge affects the entire stress response system, susceptibility to adverse effects of chronic stressors can be ... ...

    Abstract Abstract An adequate stress response plays a vital role in coping with challenges. However, if selection for improved coping with an acute challenge affects the entire stress response system, susceptibility to adverse effects of chronic stressors can be deepened. Here, we used bank voles from lines selected for high swim-induced aerobic metabolism (A) and unselected control (C), and asked if the selection affected sensitivity to chronic mild stress (CMS). The voles were first habituated to daily weighing and feces collection for three weeks, and then for two weeks were exposed to CMS or remained undisturbed. The habituation itself resulted in an increased swim-induced oxygen consumption in both line types, and a decreased body mass. The CMS treatment caused reduction of food consumption in the second week of the experiment, and, in males, a decline in the metabolic rate. Paradoxically, fecal corticosterone metabolites decreased in the CMS-treated group. The response to CMS did not differ between the line types. Thus, the selection for increased performance was not traded off by increased vulnerability to chronic stress. The counter-intuitive results may even lead to a speculation that bank voles—and perhaps also other animals—prefer experiencing unpredictable, unpleasant stressors over the monotony of standard laboratory housing.
    Keywords Medicine ; R ; Science ; Q
    Subject code 621
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-02-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Nature Portfolio
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  5. Article ; Online: Over Time Decay of Cortisol Metabolites in Faecal Pellets of Koalas in Central Queensland

    Flavia Santamaria / Rolf Schlagloth / Rupert Palme / Joerg Henning

    Animals, Vol 11, Iss 3376, p

    2021  Volume 3376

    Abstract: Faecal material can be a valuable source of information for a range of animal health aspects and can be used to measure faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs). FCM values can relate to physiological stress responses. However, freshly defecated pellets are ... ...

    Abstract Faecal material can be a valuable source of information for a range of animal health aspects and can be used to measure faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs). FCM values can relate to physiological stress responses. However, freshly defecated pellets are not always available and environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, might affect faecal pellet consistency and FCM levels. Therefore, the impact of environmental conditions on FCMs needs to be evaluated. We collected 107 pellets from two female and two male koalas, exposed them to three types of treatments, and analysed FCMs in these samples with three enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). After analysis, the original FCM values were mathematically corrected for water loss. Results show that the FCMs were more stable when measured using tetrahydrocorticosterone (50c) and 5α-pregnane-3β,11β,21-triol-20-one (37e) EIAs, and were less stable when measured with the cortisol EIA. With 50c, the FCM values did not vary significantly over time either before or after the adjustment with water in the environment treatment group. For samples kept under constant low (25 °C) and high (35 °C) temperatures, the 50c FCM values did not vary significantly over time, after adjustments were made for water loss. Thus, this study highlights the importance of considering the suitability of faecal field samples for FCM analysis. Because water loss was the main driver of FCM changes, we strongly recommend collecting koala pellets that are freshly defecated, despite the effort and time it might take to collect such pellets.
    Keywords koala ; Phascolarctos cinereus ; glucocorticoid metabolites ; faeces ; stability ; non-invasive monitoring ; Veterinary medicine ; SF600-1100 ; Zoology ; QL1-991
    Subject code 500
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-11-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  6. Article ; Online: Reflections of ecological differences? Stress responses of sympatric Alpine chamois and red deer to weather, forage quality, and human disturbance

    Pia Anderwald / Seraina Campell Andri / Rupert Palme

    Ecology and Evolution, Vol 11, Iss 22, Pp 15740-

    2021  Volume 15753

    Abstract: Abstract Depending on the habitats they live in, temperate ungulates have adapted to different degrees to seasonally changing forage and weather conditions, and to specific escape strategies from predators. Alpine chamois, a mountain ungulate, and red ... ...

    Abstract Abstract Depending on the habitats they live in, temperate ungulates have adapted to different degrees to seasonally changing forage and weather conditions, and to specific escape strategies from predators. Alpine chamois, a mountain ungulate, and red deer, originally adapted to open plains, would therefore be expected to differ in their physiological responses to potential stressors. Based on 742 chamois and 1557 red deer fecal samples collected year‐round every 2 weeks for 4 years at the same locations within a strictly protected area in the Swiss Alps, we analyzed glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations for both species. Results from linear mixed effects models revealed no physiological stress response to changing visitor numbers, but instead to drought conditions for both species during summer. In winter, FGM concentrations increased with increasing snow height in both species, but this response was modulated by temperature in red deer. Chamois showed a stronger stress response to increasing snow height during November and December than between January and March, while FGM concentrations increased with decreasing temperature throughout winter. An increase in FGM concentrations with decreasing forage digestibility during winter was found only for red deer. The results are thus partly in contradiction to expectations based on feeding type and adaptations to different habitats between the two species. The lack of a response to forage digestibility in chamois may reflect either better adaptation to difficult feeding conditions in subalpine forests, or, by contrast, strong constraints imposed by forage quality. The similar responses of both species to weather conditions in winter suggest that climatic factors at the elevations examined here are sufficiently harsh to be limiting to temperate ungulates regardless of their specific adaptations to this environment.
    Keywords Cervus elaphus ; fecal cortisol metabolites ; fecal nitrogen ; Rupicapra rupicapra ; snow height ; Swiss National Park ; Ecology ; QH540-549.5
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-11-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Wiley
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  7. Article ; Online: Cats at the Vet

    Adjet Makawey / Christine Iben / Rupert Palme

    Animals, Vol 10, Iss 2047, p

    The Effect of Alpha-s1 Casozepin

    2020  Volume 2047

    Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of α-s1 casozepin on cat stress responses at a veterinary practice. Cats feel confident in their familiar surroundings and daily routine. A visit, and transport, to the veterinarian is a stressful ... ...

    Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of α-s1 casozepin on cat stress responses at a veterinary practice. Cats feel confident in their familiar surroundings and daily routine. A visit, and transport, to the veterinarian is a stressful experience for cats and their owners. Stress can mask clinical signs and has physiological impacts. Alpha-s1 casozepin (Zylkène; Vétoquinol) could potentially minimize stress in cats with its calming and anxiolytic characteristics. A randomized, partial double-blind and placebo-controlled study was carried out with 60 adult cats. The trial was designed for three groups: low dose (15 mg/kg q24 h α-s1 casozepin for six days), high dose (75 mg/kg q24 h α-s1 casozepin for three days), and a placebo (one fructose capsule per day for three days). For the study, cats had a checkup at their trusted veterinarian without the dietary supplement, followed by a second one four weeks later. Alpha-s1 casozepin or a placebo was administered three to six days before the checkup. Fecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) were measured to non-invasively evaluate the impact of α-s1 casozepin on adrenocortical activity. The cat owners and veterinarians also assessed the physiological reactions (respiratory rate, sweaty paws, pupils, panting, and vocalization) of the cats at home, in the waiting area, and in the examination room. The only significant effect (kappa coefficient κ = 0.007 and κ = 0.003) found in this study was the absence of sweaty paws in cats who were treated with the high dose of α-s1 casozepin over three days, observed in the waiting area and examination room of the veterinarian’s practice, respectively. Alpha-s1 casozepin also showed a small but insignificant reduction in FCM levels. Alpha-s1 casozepin influences the autonomic nervous system, and can inhibit sweaty paws during stressful situations for cats.
    Keywords stress ; feces ; cortisol metabolites ; non-invasive ; Zylkène ; behaviour ; Veterinary medicine ; SF600-1100 ; Zoology ; QL1-991
    Subject code 630
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-11-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  8. Article ; Online: Assessment of the Stress Response in North American Deermice

    Andreas Eleftheriou / Rupert Palme / Rudy Boonstra

    Animals, Vol 10, Iss 1120, p

    Laboratory and Field Validation of Two Enzyme Immunoassays for Fecal Corticosterone Metabolites

    2020  Volume 1120

    Abstract: Stress physiology is commonly employed in studies of wildlife ecology and conservation. Accordingly, we need robust and suitable methods to measure stress physiology in the field. Fecal cortisol/corticosterone metabolites (FCMs) are now increasingly ... ...

    Abstract Stress physiology is commonly employed in studies of wildlife ecology and conservation. Accordingly, we need robust and suitable methods to measure stress physiology in the field. Fecal cortisol/corticosterone metabolites (FCMs) are now increasingly being used to non-invasively evaluate adrenocortical activity; a measure of stress physiology. However, immunoassays that measure FCMs must be appropriately validated prior to their use and factors that can influence FCMs, such as trap-induced stress, must be considered. Deermice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are widely used in scientific studies so that developing methods that appropriately measure their adrenocortical activity is critical. In the laboratory, we tested the suitability of two enzyme immunoassays (EIAs; a corticosterone EIA, and a group-specific 5α-pregnane-3β,11β,21-triol-20-one EIA) in deermice by challenging individuals with dexamethasone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). We found that dexamethasone suppressed FCM levels within ~10 h post injection whereas ACTH increased FCM levels within ~2 h post injection. In the field, we found that FCM levels generally increased with more time in trap confinement when using both EIAs. Although we acknowledge low sample sizes (N = 4), our results validated the two EIAs for use with FCMs from deermice.
    Keywords captivity-induced stress ; enzyme immunoassay ; fecal glucocorticoid metabolites ; physiological stress in rodents ; Veterinary medicine ; SF600-1100 ; Zoology ; QL1-991
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-06-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  9. Article ; Online: ACTH Stimulation Induced Self-Mutilation Behavior in the Golden Conure ( Guaruba guarouba )

    Juliana Anaya Sinhorini / Cristiane Schilbach Pizzutto / Rupert Palme

    Animals, Vol 10, Iss 3, p

    2020  Volume 418

    Abstract: Psittacidae are very susceptible to chronic stress and behavioral disorders. Information regarding the endocrinology of the golden conure is scarce, especially about adrenocortical activity. Endocrine studies using non-invasive methods are useful, ... ...

    Abstract Psittacidae are very susceptible to chronic stress and behavioral disorders. Information regarding the endocrinology of the golden conure is scarce, especially about adrenocortical activity. Endocrine studies using non-invasive methods are useful, because they allow longitudinal analysis with high numbers of samples without causing additional stress and are viable in the psittacidae management. The objective was to physiologically validate an enzyme immunoassay for measuring glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs) in this species. Serial droppings were collected from 16 animals. First, one subgroup received adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; Synacthen Depót ® ) and the other group served as controls. This procedure was reversed afterwards. All birds presented self-mutilation approximately 6 hours after the ACTH injection. This behavior disappeared after two days. Peak concentrations (on average nine times higher than baseline values) of GCMs were found 6 (4−8) hours after ACTH administration; in all (but one) animals also a second peak was found 14 (10−20) hours post injection. GCM levels returned to the baseline after 24 h. We physiologically validated a cortisone enzyme immunoassays to measure adrenocortical activity in the golden conure. Such non-invasive methods are important for studies, which are related to welfare, reproductive, and conservation programs. In addition, we could demonstrate a link between increased glucocorticoid levels and behavioral disorders.
    Keywords corticosterone metabolites ; non-invasive monitoring ; abnormal behavior ; feather picking ; Veterinary medicine ; SF600-1100 ; Zoology ; QL1-991
    Subject code 630
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-03-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  10. Article ; Online: Audience effect on domestic dogs’ behavioural displays and facial expressions

    Giulia Pedretti / Chiara Canori / Sarah Marshall-Pescini / Rupert Palme / Annalisa Pelosi / Paola Valsecchi

    Scientific Reports, Vol 12, Iss 1, Pp 1-

    2022  Volume 13

    Abstract: Abstract In the present study we investigated the influence of positive and negative arousal situations and the presence of an audience on dogs’ behavioural displays and facial expressions. We exposed dogs to positive anticipation, non-social frustration ...

    Abstract Abstract In the present study we investigated the influence of positive and negative arousal situations and the presence of an audience on dogs’ behavioural displays and facial expressions. We exposed dogs to positive anticipation, non-social frustration and social frustration evoking test sessions and measured pre and post-test salivary cortisol concentrations. Cortisol concentration did not increase during the tests and there was no difference in pre or post-test concentrations in the different test conditions, excluding a different level of arousal. Displacement behaviours of “looking away” and “sniffing the environment” occurred more in the frustration-evoking situations compared to the positive anticipation and were correlated with cortisol concentrations. “Ears forward” occurred more in the positive anticipation condition compared to the frustration-evoking conditions, was positively influenced by the presence of an audience, and negatively correlated to the pre-test cortisol concentrations, suggesting it may be a good indicator of dogs’ level of attention. “Ears flattener”, “blink”, “nose lick”, “tail wagging” and “whining” were associated with the presence of an audience but were not correlated to cortisol concentrations, suggesting a communicative component of these visual displays. These findings are a first step to systematically test which subtle cues could be considered communicative signals in domestic dogs.
    Keywords Medicine ; R ; Science ; Q
    Subject code 150 ; 630
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-06-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Nature Portfolio
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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