Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Uri H. Perez-Guerra, Yesenia M. Quispe, Henry Gonzales, Natalio Luque, Domingo A. Ruelas, Maria Carretero, Miguel A. Gutierrez-Reinoso, Manuel G. Perez-Durand, Manuel Garcia-Herreros
Summary: This research aimed to study the follicular dynamics, vaginal cytological characteristics, and endocrine profiles during the follicular deviation process in llamas. The results showed differential follicular dynamics and hormone concentration levels during follicular deviation, indicating the complexity of the reproductive physiology in llamas.
Article
Zoology
Jean-Michel Hatt, Daryl Codron, Henning Richter, Patrick R. Kircher, Jurgen Hummel, Marcus Clauss
Summary: Dust and grit ingested by herbivores are washed from ingesta in the rumen, reducing wear on teeth. The study on llamas showed accumulation of ADIA in the stomach, with reduced ADIA in compartments used for regurgitation and rumination. This washing effect is an unavoidable side effect of the sorting mechanisms in ruminants and camelids, allowing them to inhabit similar habitats as nonruminant herbivores.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Nick Enke, Lea Brinkmann, Rukhsana Amin Runa, Karl-Heinz Sudekum, Ernst Tholen, Martina Gerken
Summary: This study investigates the drinking behavior and adaptation strategies of llamas in the face of water scarcity and salinization. The results show that llamas have a high tolerance for saline water and can adapt their drinking patterns when more options are available. However, the low drinking frequency of llamas may hinder their memory formation and discrimination learning.
SMALL RUMINANT RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Alejandra Isabel Hidalgo, Cesar Ulloa-Leal, Gonzalo Gajardo, Gerardo Lopez, Daniella Carretta, Rafael Agustin Burgos, Marcelo Ratto
Summary: This study aimed to determine the presence of inflammatory mediators in the uterine fluid of llamas during different stages of the reproductive cycle. It was found that inflammatory mediators were present in both phases of the reproductive cycle, but llamas in the luteal phase induced by seminal plasma showed the highest concentration of inflammatory mediators, indicating that seminal plasma contains compounds that significantly influence the endometrial secretion of these mediators.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Matthias Gerhard Wagener, Saskia Neubert, Teresa Maria Punsmann, Steffen B. Wiegand, Martin Ganter
Summary: South American camelids (SAC) are increasingly presented at veterinary clinics in Germany. A study evaluated the body condition score (BCS) and FAMACHA (c)-score (FS) in alpacas and llamas presented at the clinic, comparing them with haematological parameters. More than half of the animals were underweight, with a significant percentage showing signs of anaemia. BCS was found to be associated with anaemia and shifts in inflammatory cells, highlighting the importance of regular assessment to detect emaciation and anaemia in time.
Article
Parasitology
Patricio Ramos, Paulina Sepulveda-Garcia, Amir Alabi, Alex Romero, Teresa Pinto, Alejandro Rojas, Pedro Bittencourt, Ananda Muller
Summary: This study conducted a molecular survey and identification of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in domestic South American Camelids from Southern Chile. The results showed a presence of hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in llamas and alpacas in the region, with low diversity observed.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
V. Edwin Ormachea, H. Faustino Jahuira, C. Bilo Calsin, D. Uberto Olarte, I. Martha Tapia, M. Luis Olivera, H. Victor Zanabria, V. Buenaventura Ormachea
Summary: The study used data from 180 llamas to investigate the influence of age, sex, and breed on conformation traits. Various measurements were recorded, and it was found that body weight prediction models showed significance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xu Lian, Sujong Jeong, Chang-Eui Park, Hao Xu, Laurent Z. X. Li, Tao Wang, Pierre Gentine, Josep Penuelas, Shilong Piao
Summary: The seasonal greening of Northern Hemisphere ecosystems, due to extended growing periods and enhanced photosynthetic activity, modifies near-surface warming by perturbing land-atmosphere energy exchanges. Summer greening effectively dampens NH warming by enhancing evapotranspiration, while spring and autumn greening results in minor temperature changes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Kyle T. Finn, Andries K. Janse van Vuuren, Daniel W. Hart, Tobias Sueess, Markus Zoettl, Nigel C. Bennett
Summary: Differences in individual locomotor activity patterns of Natal mole-rats are influenced by seasonal changes and not affected by individual characteristics such as body mass, sex, and reproductive status. In winter, individuals are more active during the time with the highest soil temperatures, while in summer, they exhibit a bimodal activity pattern during cooler soil temperatures. This suggests that activity patterns serve as a behavioral adaptation to regulate burrow temperatures and maintain core body temperature stability. RFID technology is advantageous for studying wild small mammal movements.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rawan Kawach, Victoria Diedrich, Andreas Gruber, Kerstin Leopold, Annika Herwig, Maja Vujic Spasic
Summary: This study investigates the effects of photoperiodic acclimation and food deprivation on iron metabolism in Djungarian hamsters. The results show that both short photoperiods and long-term food restriction lead to iron sequestration in the liver, accompanied by hypoferremia and mild reduction in hepcidin expression. In addition, the levels of manganese, selenium, and zinc in the liver are increased under food restriction.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Noriko Tanaka, Toyoko Okuda, Hisae Shinohara, Rie Shimonaka Yamasaki, Naomi Hirano, Jangmi Kang, Manami Ogawa, Nao Nishioka Nishi
Summary: Seasonal changes in food intake, energy metabolism, and physical activity were investigated in a study of 28 women aged 20-23 in Japan. Energy intake was highest in winter and decreased significantly in summer, while resting metabolic rate (RMR) was highest in winter and decreased in summer. Muscle weight increased in spring and summer compared to winter, but no significant changes were observed in lean body mass between seasons.
Article
Plant Sciences
Haijiang Zhao, Ning Jin, Xiurong Wang, Guiqin Fu, Kunlun Xiang, Liang Wang, Jie Zhao
Summary: This study evaluates the temporal trends of the relationships between temperature factors (T-mean and DTR) and vegetation activity in the boreal regions. The results show a significant decreasing trend in the correlation between growing season NDVI and T-mean over the past 34 years. The correlation between NDVI and DTR exhibits similar temporal trend characteristics.
Article
Ecology
Gotz Eichhorn, Michiel P. Boom, Henk P. van der Jeugd, Amerins Mulder, Martin Wikelski, Shane K. Maloney, Grace H. Goh
Summary: The study conducted a detailed comparative analysis of the circadian rhythm of Tb and its seasonal development in free-living barnacle geese with different migratory behaviors and environments. It was found that the circadian Tb profile in the geese was closely aligned with changing daylight conditions, showing fast re-entrainment during migratory movements and loss of rhythmicity in permanent daylight. The study also revealed that the decrease in Tb before autumn migration was less drastic than previously reported, and there was no evidence of functional link between heterothermy and migration in the barnacle goose.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Hongmei Li, Jingquan Zhu, Yumeng Cheng, Fuyan Zhuo, Yinmin Liu, Jingfeng Huang, Bryony Taylor, Belinda Luke, Meizhi Wang, Pablo Gonzalez-Moreno
Summary: This study aims to understand the behavioral patterns of different stages of locusts and identify the environmental factors modulating their body temperature under natural conditions. The results showed that locusts preferred the ground and reed canopy as their main activity subhabitats, with adults showing specific peaks of activity. Locusts' body temperature increased with development stage and size during the day, while the opposite pattern occurred at night. Therefore, biopesticides should be applied to younger locusts with lower body temperatures in the morning or at dusk.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Uri Perez G, David Pari P, Fidel Gutierrez Y, Julio Malaga A, Natalio Luque M, Rolando Rojas E, Manuel Perez D
Summary: In llamas, monitoring ovarian follicular dynamics via transvaginal route allows for more precise determination of follicular characteristics and their phases. There are differences in follicle quantity, diameter, growth rate, and inter-wave interval between the two monitoring techniques.
REVISTA DE INVESTIGACIONES VETERINARIAS DEL PERU
(2021)
Review
Zoology
Thomas Ruf, Claudia Bieber
Summary: This article examines the ultimate selective advantages of hibernation, focusing on the edible dormouse. The study finds that predator avoidance is one of the primary reasons for hibernation in this species.
Article
Physiology
Elzbieta Krol, Frances Turner, Davina Derous, Sharon E. Mitchell, Samuel A. M. Martin, Alex Douglas, John R. Speakman
Summary: Peak lactation is limited by the capacity of lactating females to dissipate body heat, and manipulations that enhance heat dissipation, such as shaving, can increase peak milk production. Shaving-induced increases in milk production were paradoxically linked to reduced expression of some milk synthesis-related genes. Shaved mice were also more likely to wean their young faster and experience earlier involution of the mammary gland compared to unshaved mice.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Katherine A. Kentistou, Jian'an Luan, Laura B. L. Wittemans, Catherine Hambly, Lucija Klaric, Zoltan Kutalik, John R. Speakman, Nicholas J. Wareham, Timothy J. Kendall, Claudia Langenberg, James F. Wilson, Peter K. Joshi, Nicholas M. Morton
Summary: Our understanding of the genetic contribution to human adiposity is incomplete, as few studies measure adiposity directly. In this study, the authors used whole-body imaging adiposity phenotypes in large biobanks to enhance their ability to discover genes driving human adiposity, and investigated one such gene using a mouse model.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Correction
Ecology
Aldin Selimovic, Mathilde L. L. Tissier, Walter Arnold
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Anja Biltoft-Jensen, Karin Hess Ygil, Lenette Knudsen, Jeppe Matthiessen, Sisse Fagt, Ellen Trolle, Trine Holmgaard Nielsen, Diane McIntosh Hansen, Cecilie Loe Licht, Maurice Martens, Catherine Hambly, John R. Speakman, Tue Christensen
Summary: The European Food Safety Authority recommends the use of the 2 x 24 h diet recall and physical activity measurements for national dietary surveys. Denmark has been using 7 d food diaries with PA questionnaires and measurements. The study shows that the 2 x 24 h diet recall performs better than the 7 d food diaries method.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Sylvain Giroud, Marie-Therese Ragger, Amelie Baille, Franz Hoelzl, Steve Smith, Julia Nowack, Thomas Ruf
Summary: Garden dormice hibernating in warmer temperatures have increased food intake, reduced hibernation time, and decreased body mass loss, resulting in better survival.
FRONTIERS IN ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Daniel G. Ellis, John Speakman, Catherine Hambly, James P. Morton, Graeme L. Close, Tim F. Donovan
Summary: This study examined the total daily energy expenditure (TEE) of elite tennis players during high-level competition. Results showed that tennis is a highly energetically demanding sport with variability in TEE between individuals. Therefore, individual differences in energy requirements should be considered when developing nutritional strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Lu Wang, Davina Derous, Xiahe Huang, Sharon E. Mitchell, Alex Douglas, David Lusseau, Yingchun Wang, John R. Speakman
Summary: Calorie restriction extends life span by modulating aging-related mechanisms. Metabolic pathways such as glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and fatty acid degradation are significantly stimulated, while main signaling pathways and pathways in cancer are not significantly affected. Moreover, the metabolism of xenobiotics is altered by calorie restriction.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Kristina Gasch, Manuela Habe, Julie Sophie Krauss, Johanna Painer-Gigler, Gabrielle Stalder, Walter Arnold
Summary: Through experimental research on red deer, we found that photoperiod controls their seasonal acclimatization, which is partly modulated by the intake of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, similar to hibernating animals. However, the supplementation of linoleic acid or ff-linolenic acid has little effect on the deer. Injecting melatonin around the summer solstice can induce the onset of winter phenotype weeks ahead of time, indicating the photoperiodic control of physiological and behavioral seasonal acclimatization. Red deer reduce energy expenditure for thermoregulation upon short daylength, a reaction amplified by food restriction.
Article
Ecology
Aldin Selimovic, Mathilde L. Tissier, Gabrielle Stalder, Johanna Painer-Gigler, Anna Haw, Hanna Rauch, Walter Arnold
Summary: Large plots of maize in agricultural landscapes can negatively impact the reproductive output and population development of European brown hares. Our study investigated whether these effects were caused by a deficiency of niacin in the diet of these hares. We found that even a niacin-deficient diet had only a slight impact on the reproductive success of female brown hares, potentially due to the conversion of tryptophan to niacin or additional niacin supply from caecal microorganisms.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
John R. Speakman, Jasper M. A. de Jong, Srishti Sinha, Klaas R. Westerterp, Yosuke Yamada, Hiroyuki Sagayama, Philip N. Ainslie, Liam J. Anderson, Lenore Arab, Kweku Bedu-Addo, Stephane Blanc, Alberto G. Bonomi, Pascal Bovet, Soren Brage, Maciej S. Buchowski, Nancy F. Butte, Stefan G. J. A. Camps, Jamie A. Cooper, Richard Cooper, Sai Krupa Das, Peter S. W. Davies, Lara R. Dugas, Ulf Ekelund, Sonja Entringer, Terrence Forrester, Barry W. Fudge, Melanie Gillingham, Santu Ghosh, Annelies H. Goris, Michael Gurven, Lewis G. Halsey, Catherine Hambly, Hinke H. Haisma, Daniel Hoffman, Sumei Hu, Annemiek M. Joosen, Jennifer L. Kaplan, Peter Katzmarzyk, William E. Kraus, Robert F. Kushner, William R. Leonard, Marie Loef, Corby K. Martin, Eric Matsiko, Anine C. Medin, Erwin P. Meijer, Marian L. Neuhouser, Theresa A. Nicklas, Robert M. Ojiambo, Kirsi H. Pietilaeinen, Jacob Plange-Rhule, Guy Plasqui, Ross L. Prentice, Susan B. Racette, David A. Raichlen, Eric Ravussin, Leanne M. Redman, Susan B. Roberts, Michael C. Rudolph, Luis B. Sardinha, Albertine J. Schuit, Analiza M. Silva, Eric Stice, Samuel S. Urlacher, Giulio Valenti, Ludo M. Van Etten, Edgar A. Van Mil, Brian M. Wood, Jack A. Yanovski, Tsukasa Yoshida, Xueying Zhang, Alexia J. Murphy-Alford, Cornelia U. Loechl, Anura Kurpad, Amy H. Luke, Herman Pontzer, Matthew S. Rodeheffer, Jennifer Rood, Dale A. Schoeller, William W. Wong
Summary: Obesity is caused by prolonged positive energy balance, and the contribution of reduced activity levels to energy expenditure is still debated. Our study shows that total energy expenditure (TEE) adjusted for body composition and age has declined since the late 1980s, while adjusted activity energy expenditure has increased over time in both sexes. The decline in adjusted basal energy expenditure (BEE) is identified as a previously unrecognized factor. These findings suggest that the increasing obesity in the United States/Europe is not likely fueled by reduced physical activity leading to lowered TEE.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ortal Mizrahy-Rewald, Natalie Winkler, Frederik Amann, Katharina Neugebauer, Bernhard Voelkl, Herwig A. Grogger, Thomas Ruf, Johannes Fritz
Summary: The position and shape of biologging devices significantly influence flight distance, heart rate, and energy expenditure of birds. Unfavorable shape and positioning increase the effort required during flapping flight and impair the ability to glide or soar. The position of the devices also affects the length of flight stages. Optimizing the shape and position of the devices can reduce detrimental effects on bird performance and behavior.
ANIMAL BIOTELEMETRY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biology
David B. Allison, Thorkild I. A. Sorensen, Kevin D. Hall, John R. Speakman
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biology
John R. Speakman, Kevin D. Hall
Summary: Body weight and fatness are regulated phenomena, and several theoretical models, such as the set-point, dynamic equilibrium, adiposity force, and control theory, have been proposed to explain this. Further experiments are needed to test the differences between these models.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Deng Bao Yang, Lin Gao, Xin Yu Liu, Yan Chao Xu, C. Hambly, De Hua Wang, John R. Speakman
Summary: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of diet and obesity on glucose homeostasis. Laboratory voles exposed to long photoperiod were resistant to high-fat diet-induced obesity but exhibited impaired glucose tolerance. This model provides insights into the relationship between diet, obesity, and metabolic health.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2023)