European Bison Conservation Newsletter (Żubr i jego ochrona Biuletyn) is a scientific journal published by the European Bison Friends Society. The first issue of the Bulletin was published in 2008. The journal publishes three types of articles on the genus Bison: scientific articles (peer-reviewed), short communucations (peer-reviewed) and popular science articles (non-peer-reviewed). Published content is organized by the following categories: EUROPEAN BISON (WISENT) / AMERICAN BISON / GENETICS / VETERINARY / BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY / EX SITU CONSERVATION / IN SITU CONSERVATION / CULTURE AND EDUCATION ISSN 2450-1735
In 2021, the Podplud bull was treated at the Pszczyna-Jankowice European Bison Breeding Center for necrotic balanoposthitis (NZN). Treatment reduced clinical symptoms. Another case of NZN was noted in 2022 in the bull Ponse, which had purulent necrotic lesions and sepsis caused by the bacterium Trueperella pyogenes during post-mortem treatment. Further observations in multiple bulls confirmed the disease.Twenty-three bulls were immobilized, a clinical examination was performed, swabs were collected for bacteriologic examination. Based on the results of these examinations, seven animals were eliminated. Post-mortem examinations bring anatomical-pathological changes to the development of severity and a variable proportion of pathogenic bacteria.
Copyright (c) 2023 Wojciech Bielecki, Mieczysław Hławiczka, Magdalena Rzewuska, Wanda Olech https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The origins of the Swedish European bison breeding
The story of the Avesta Breeding Center begins on Saturday, September 8, 1923. The Consul General Axel Ax:son Johnson was invited to dinner at the home of a good friend. In his pocket he had the newspaper, which that day contained an article about the ”International Society for the Protection of the European Bison”, newly founded in August 1923. And he had also read about Sztolcman’s appeal, which took place in Paris on June 2, 1923. His host at that dinner was none other than the newly appointed vice president of the Society. At the time was the world famous Alarik Behm, curator at Skansen in Stockholm. In November 1923, the construction of the wisent enclosure in Långsjön was started...
Copyright (c) 2023 Tommy Svensson https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Founding and the first years of the “Wisentgehege Springe” as a project of the International Society for the Protection of the European Bison
Already in 1924, one year after the foundation of the International Society for the Protection of the European Bison, a first plan for a German wisent national reserve was initiated by Lutz Heck from the Berlin Zoo. In 1926, a first meeting was held to plan a wisent conservation park. The meeting took place on September 14 at the Berlin Zoo. Today, 100 years after the foundation of the International Society for the Protection of European Bison, the “Wisentgehege Springe” can look back on 390 wisent births.
Copyright (c) 2023 Thomas Hennig https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Kazimierz Szczerkowski and Jan Żabiński, promoters of European bison restitution by zoos
Kazimierz Szczerkowski (1877–1952) – teacher, respected director of the Zoo in Poznań in 1922–1940, deputy director after the World War II. He was an authority among German zoo directors and participated in their annual meetings. He was a pioneer of the idea to restitute the European bison after its extinction in the wild based on breeding in zoological gardens. Dr. Jan Żabiński (1897–1974) – respected director of the Zoological Garden in Warsaw in 1930–1951, coordinator of the transport of European bison from Sweden and Germany (including the main bull, Borusse) to the newly created reserve in the Białowieska Forest and the keeping of hybrids taken from breeding in the Warsaw ZOO. Member and from 1934 President of the Board of the Polish ISPEB branch (also after 1945) and from 1938 Vice-President of the Main Board elected at the Congress in Berlin
Copyright (c) 2023 Jan Śmiełowski https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
European bison restitution breeding center of the Białowieża National Park in the years 1929–1952 , or about the return of the king of the forest to the motherland
The idea of reintroducing the European bison to the Białowieska Forest originated in the early 1920s in hunting circles that were at the same time fascinated by the protection of native wildlife. One idea, behind which was the state apparatus of the “young Poland”, was the creation of a state representative hunting ground in the Białowieska Forest. The other, behind which stood the Polish Hunting Association in Poznań, was the desire to lease a part of the forest and save the European bison within the framework of a hunting company, founded and financed by private persons.
Copyright (c) 2023 Michał K. Krzysiak, Jarosław Tomana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Protection and breeding of European bison in the forests of Pszczyna (1865–2022)
The article presents the history of the European bison breeding center in Upper Silesia in 1865 and its protection and breeding until 2022. The results of European bison breeding in Pszczyna for this period are summarized on the basis of the available publications and the entries in the European Bison Pedigree Book for the years 1932–2021 and the data of the Kobiór Forest Inspectorate for 2022. The balance of European bison breeding in Pszczyna for the period 1865–2022 is 764 (380, 384) born and 54 (24, 30) imported animals on the income side and 398 (182, 216) dead and 367 (194, 173) exported animals on the expenditure side. Some guardians of the Pszczyna European bison were mentioned, including Prince Jan Henryk XI Hochberg. However, the history of the breeding organization in Pszczyna and the biography of the guardians of these animals require separate studies.
European bison breeding center in Pszczyna
Copyright (c) 2023 Jerzy B. Parusel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Do we still need more wisents in Poland?
Following the rapid growth of wisent (European bison) Bison bonasus L. population in Poland from 783 animals in 2001 to 2603 in 2022, the question has appeared whether the country with the largest population of this species in the world, may still accept further increase of its numbers. Problems that are connected with the presence of free ranging wisents belong to three categories: eeconomical – damages to agriculture and forestry, public safety – traffic accidents and aggressive individuals, and the health risk – possible transmission of pathogens to the livestock. However there also several benefits resulting from the existence of wisents in the wild. The species is an important component of natural ecosystems, its existence is an excellent example of successful conservation, the wisent is an attractive symbol for educational programs, and its growing populations can be a source of animals for further reintroductions. Possible solutions of the problem include: mitigation of economic costs and slowing down the population growth, and a dispersal of wisent herds into suitable habitat patches, allowing to manage them as metapopulation. Therefore, further growth of wisent population in Poland is still acceptable, however, the conservation and management of this species in the future have to be focused upon its social acceptation and avoiding possible fields of conflict.
Copyright (c) 2023 Kajetan Perzanowski https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The merits of Władysław Janta-Połczyński in the restitution of European bison in Poland
Who was Władysław Janta-Połczyński? For Wielkopolska he is a personality with great merits. Landowner, patriot, social worker, writer, excellent organizer, patron of the culture and also a hunter. Editor-in-chief of several hunting magazines and a columnist. He was a co-initiator of the reintroduction of beavers in Wielkopolska and the first chairman of the board of the Polish branch of the International Society for the Protection of European Bison.
Copyright (c) 2023 Tomasz Sobalak https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The role of commercial bison production in conservation strategies in Canada
In Canada, numerous actors manage bison (Bison bison) and assist in population restoration after bisons’ near extinction in the late 19th century. The largest number of bison in Canada are managed by commercial bison farms. This research maps commercial bison farms and bison livestock as reported by the 2021 Census of Agriculture in Canada. The dispersion of commercial bison on the landscape depicts their important contribution to species restoration in Canada. Commercial bison producers, wildlife conservationists, and Indigenous communities need to be included to ensure full breadth of species restoration, especially at the landscape level.
Copyright (c) 2023 Brianne Altmann, Manuel Juárez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The impact of Russian military aggression on Ukrainian subpopulations of the European bison
The impact of Russian occupation on some bison locations in Ukraine is analyzed. It was found out that active military actions in the north of Kyiv region in March 2022 led to a critical decrease of animal number in Zalisianska bison subpopulation in Zalissia National Nature Park to 14 animals from 21 in 2021; moreover, no males left in this herd. The reasons for such a decrease are caused by both the effects of mines and explosive devices and the stress factors (sounds and flashes of explosions, low-flying aircraft, movement of machinery, etc.). The location of Konotopska bison subpopulation on the territory of Konotop State Forestry (Sumy region) being occupied at the same period of time wasn’t impacted so much as no large-scale military actions took place here. Movement of Russian military machinery along the forest roads only just led to the temporary abandonment of the bison's common feeding habitats and resulted in the absolute absence of offspring in 2022 due to the stress. The war in general and occupation of the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone by Russian troops in particular, negatively influenced on the realization of ambitious EBFS-WWF bison re-introduction project, which has been postponed.
Copyright (c) 2023 Vitaliy Smagol, Ostap Reshetylo, Viktoria Smagol https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Reintroduction of European bison to semi-natural meadows in Grażyna Valley within the confines of the Rural Areas Development Program for years 2007–2013
Since the population of European bison Bison bonasus (L.1758) was found on the verge of extinction, the protection of this species has become a matter of particular significance in Poland. The protective activities of European bison mainly focus on captive breeding and free-living herds. The planned introduction of European bison to semi-natural meadows in Grażyna Valley (location: Grabin) is supposed to be an element of active protection of nature in the potential area of Nature 2000, located in rural areas, and to support the restoration of this species in our country. The Program of Rural Areas Development for years 2007–2013, taking into consideration the significant role of grazing animals in shaping the andscape, encourages and, in some cases, even puts and obligation to farmers to breed the animals in agricultural holdings. At the same time, the program allows for introducing the European bison. The present program allow year-round grazing of only two breeds of little horses. In order to introduce another grazing species; a farmer must submit a request to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development presenting a breeding program and its justification assuring non violation of animals’ welfare. In view of additional formalities and difficulties connected with them, the Committee Monitoring the Program adopted the resolution no. 22/2009 concerning the changes of the Program, which would bring about possibilities of year-round grazing for all grazing species. However, the introduction of European bison to rural areas (areas of permanent meadows and pastures) with the financial support of the Program of Rural Areas Development requires many documents, starting from the permit for the possession of this protected species. Despite this, it is worth using so as to give European bison a chance of living in conditions similar to the natural ones. Therefore, the Institute of Applied Ecology has decided to carry out such a task in order to prove that it is possible to combine the nature and landscape protection with agricultural activity with concurrent financial support of presently available European Union means.
Copyright (c) 2009 Wojciech Halicki; Dagmara Kołeczek, Magdalena Twarda-Rafalska https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The role of vessels of male reproduction tract in its regulation in males of not domesticated species
The vessels composed the seminal funiculus, perform not only blood function, but they are an active structure in the local concentration of hormones in the area of the reproductive tract. Research performed with the use of males crossbred between wild boar and pig showed that the mechanism back and destinated transfer of testosterone at the area of the reproductive tract exist and change during the winter and the summer. The highest local testosteron concentration is observed during the winter, when appears the reproductive season of them. In the winter-period the concentration of the testosterone in the common carotid artery was 10,16 pg/ml, in testicular artery (margo liber) 21,63 pg/ml, in the artery of epididymis (area of head) 52,35 pg/ ml and in the venous outflow 205,75pg/ ml. In the summer in analogous vessels the concentration of the testosterone in the blood collected from the common carotid artery was 8,08 pg/ ml, in testicular artery (margo liber) 8,37 pg/ ml, in the artery of epididymis (area of head) 15,24 pg/ ml and in the venous outflow 232,92 pg/ ml. Obtained results indicated that during the male reproductive season local concentration of testosterone in area of reproductive tract exists, as a stimulatory factor included in process of spermatogenesis.
Copyright (c) 2009 Anna Tabęcka-Łonczyńska, Marek Koziorowski https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Centre the European Bison Anatomy Research at Department of Morphological Sciences of Faculty Medicine Veterinary WULS in Warsaw – 60 years of duration
In 1949 professor Kazimierz Krysiak, as excellent anatomist and an outstanding scientist, created The Centre the European Bison Anatomy Research within the Department of Animal Anatomy at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW). Over the last 60 years intensive anatomical examination of the species has been the subject of study carried out in the Centre. The results are fundamental for research in areas such as physiology, genetics, breeding, pathology and protection. 124 papers have been published in the field of the European bison’s anatomy. Among those there are 5 postdoctoral dissertations and 17 doctoral thesis. The remaining 102 studies have been published in recognized scientific magazines: both domestic and foreign. Many of them have been created in collaboration with other scientific institutions; mainly with the Institute of Mammal Research Polish Academy of Sciences in Bialowiez˙a. The publications cover all areas of anatomy. Most of them analyze osteological problems. The results of the research carried out in the Centre have significantly improved the knowledge of the European bison’s anatomy in comparison to other species domestic animals.
Copyright (c) 2009 Henryk Kobryń, Marta Kupczyńska https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Valea Zimbrilor Bison Reserve – a stimulus of local sustainable development
The Brasov county has the great advantage of including within its territory two national parks and other areas with great nature value. The Agency for Sustainable Development of Brasov established a bison reserve in Vama Buzaului called «Rezervat¸ia Valea Zimbrilor/Bison Valley Reserve». This reserve plays a important role in development of the county. In November 2008 five European bison were transported to reserve from Switzerland, Italy and Austria. As a proof of good condition within enclosure one female calved this Spring.
Copyright (c) 2009 Mihai Pascu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
52 Years of European bison breeding on the Wisent-Island in the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
The 52 years history of European bison breeding in the Dammerower Werder reserve was fulfilled with many successes and failures. The paper present the reserve and results of breeding in years 1957–2008. As the successes prevail the breeding center can not only record a steady increase in population, benefiting the restitution of the European bison, but much more – it has been developed into a sought after tourism feature. Since 1957, Wisents or European bison (Bison bonasus) are bred on the Damerower Werder in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The first European bison came as a gift from the Polish government to the former German Democratic Republic (GDR). The breeding programme developed successfully. Up to eleven calves see the light of the Wisent-Island every year, 261 individuals were born here until the 31.12 2008.
Copyright (c) 2009 Thomas Kelterborn, Fred Zentner, Karl Zacharias https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
35 years of keeping and breeding of European Bison (Bison bonasus) at Thüringer Waldzoo Gera
The keeping of Bison bonasus bonasus started with a old pair from Zoo Leipzig in 1973 at Thüringer Waldzoo Gera. In 1976 a direct import from Bialowieza Forest brought three young European bison to Gera. This established group bred five offspring. In 1991 the genetic line was changed to the Lowland-Caucasian. More than 30 offspring from this line were born during 18 years. In 2009, after more than 35 years of keeping Bison bonasus, the line was changed back to the Lowland.
Copyright (c) 2009 Jan Bauer https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The role of the European bison breeding center in the species restoration in Russia
The establishment of European bison breeding centre in the Prioksko-Terrasnyjj reserve was caused by the necessity to preserve one of the most valuable representatives of a wild fauna on the European part of Russia. On the beginning there were many question how to organize reserve to fulfill needs of species preservation. In the first period the priority was to create center for European bison breeding, which assures guard for animals, condition for reproduction and lack of intervention into natural “wild” way of life. The process of captive breeding was needed to reduce the losses of the genetic variability and to develop the European bison population for reintroduction.
Copyright (c) 2009 Natalia Treboganova https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
European bison in Russia – past, present and future
The area of the European bison during historical time Holocene is discussed with addition of new information published in last years. Northern border of an area corresponds 600 N. The area included average and southern Urals Mountains, the south of Western Siberia. On the east the European bison lived up to the Altay Mountains and Lake Baikal. The same area at a red deer having similar ecological needs. Increase of inbreeding level considerably and negatively influences adaptable and reproductive opportunities of a bison. This circumstance is especially shown in case of its reintroduction in mountain areas. The basic projects on cultivation of the European bison in Russia are discussed.
Copyright (c) 2023 Taras P. Sipko https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
New free-range European bison herd in Zachodniopomorskie voivodship one year after creation
Two free-range European bison herds were established in 2008 in Forest Districts Łobez and Dobrzany at a distance of 14 km from each other. After 10 months being separated those herds have merged into one group and occupied the poor wood habitat in the Drava River sandur valley. Those herds left the area of the reach forest habitat of In´ skie Lakeland. The reproduction was very good because among 7 cows probably 5 calves were born and at least three of them survived first 3 months. The monitoring was very hard because of low quality equipment – the Vectronic Aerospace GPS telemetry collars, which operated an average for 4 months from recommended period of 2 years.
Copyright (c) 2009 Jacek Kaliciuk, Dariusz Wysocki, Andrzej Bereszyński, Magda Tracz, Maciej Tracz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The history of European bison herd in Brzegi Dolne
The success of European bison restitution in Poland is treated as the very good example of conservation project and gained experience is share all over the Europe. It does not mean that on the way there was no failures as well as mistakes in the process. One of examples is development and collapse of bison population in Forestry Brzegi Dolne in Bieszczady. The European bison herd created in 1978 after 20 year achieved the number of 32 individuals. During five years because of bovine tuberculosis the herd was completely eliminated and now there is no European bison in the region.
Copyright (c) 2009 Ryszard Paszkiewicz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Pszczyna’s bison in the Białowieża Primeval Forest and their role in restitution of species
European bison Bison bonasus (L.) is one of not numerous animal, they have escaped fate of hundred of thousand species combated so far by man. It occupies exceptional position in kingdom of animals – species saved by man from extinction. European Bison Breeding Center in Białowieża has played particular role in this work – where after 10 years of killing of last wild representative of this species approached for its planned restitution in historic site in the Białowieża Primeval Forest. In process of restoring free population in the Białowieża Primeval Forest participated descendants of 4 Lowland bison which were fetched in year 1865 for Murcki in Upper Silesia. They have played capital role in restitution in the Białowieża Primeval Forest in the years 1929–1966 and saving of this species before all-out extinction. Restitution of free living bison population in the Białowieża Primeval Forest is not in history first. Releasing and breeding of bison in semi-free system in the Pszczyna Forest, which belongs to interpret as relocating of individuals in present captivation of nature protection (Pullin 2005), we can regard as world’s first attempt of restitution of this species in forest ecosystem in modern times, which has been performed 87 years earlier than in the Białowieża Primeval Forest (1952).
Copyright (c) 2009 Jerzy B. Parusel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
80 years of bison restitution in Białowiez˙a Forest
After First World War bison survived only in few zoos scattered in several European countries. Thanks to an effort taken by scientists, breeders and a bison restitution program run since 1929 by Białowiez˙a National Park, this species become reintroduced. Since 1952 bison are again roaming in the wilderness. Years 1920–1928 were the only gap period of bison presence in Białowiez˙a Forest. This September we celebrate eightieth anniversary of bison restitution program.
Copyright (c) 2009 Jerzy Dackiewicz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Enteric coccidia of European bison (Bison bonasus) in Białowiez˙a Primeval Forest
During autumn-winter season 2008/2009 26 fecal samples of free-ranging European bison (9 of calves under 1 year old and 17 of older ones) as well as 45 fecal samples of European bison kept in closed reserves in Białowieża Primeval Forest were collected. All samples were examinated by McMaster method. The species of coccidia were determinated based on measurement and morphology of observed oocysts in addition to monograph by Pellerdy. Eimeria bovis, E. zuernii, E. canadensis, E. cylindrica, E. ellipsoidalis, E. alabamensis, E. auburnensis and E. subspherica species were found in feces of free-ranging European bison aged under 1 year. Two species: E. cylindrica and E. subspherica were not noticed in feces of older animals. The mean oocyst count per gram of feces was several to several dozen times higher in calves comparing with older ones. Besides the above-mentioned coccidia species there were two more found in feces of European bison kept in closed reserves (E. bukidnonensis and E. pellita). To conclude the age of European bison has the significant influence on prevalence and intensity of invasion of coccidia as well as the size of their territory. Due to our research European bison was recognized as a new host of E. alabamensis, E. auburnensis, E. bukidnonensis, E. cylindrica, E. pellita and E. subspherica.
Copyright (c) 2009 Anna M. Pyziel, Aleksander W. Demiaszkiewicz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Dictyocaulosis of European bison in Białowieża Forest
Lung helminthosis also called dictyocaulosis caused by nematodes Dictyocaulus viviparus is one of most dangerous parasitoses of European bison. 36 bison in the age of 3 months to the age of 26 years shot during the eliminations in the 2 winter seasons 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 were examined for dictyocaulosis presence. Examined bison were divided up 2 age groups: up 2 years (19 animals) and over 2 years (17 animals). Fecal samples were taken directly from rectum. Faeces were examined using Baermann method. Intensity of invasion was defined on the basis of number of first stage larvae of D. viviparus in 5 gram of faeces. Lungs also have been necropsied directly by some sections of them and then the presence of nematodes in bronchi and bronchioles was examined. Altogether 94,4% of examined bison were infected with D. viviparus. Intensity of invasions ranged from 1 to 2730 larvae and mean intensity was 204. In the first age group 100% of animals were infected and intensity of invasion oscillated from 1 to 2730 (mean 426), than in the second age group infected were only 88,2% with intensity from 1 to 276 larvae (mean 42). It was observed that the size of the winter herd does not influence the intensity of invasion. It was determined that diagnostics of dictiocaulosis done by using the direct lungs necropsy by some sections of this organ are not precise and the results of this kind of examination are not credible. According to Baermann, the method worth recommendation is examination towards larvoscopy which allows to precisely define prevalence of invasion and intensity of infection. The invasion prevalence of bison caused by the D. viviparus nematodes found in the presented examination is the highest invasion prevalence ever registered among bison in Białowieża Forest. The mean intensity of infection is three to four times higher than in the earlier studies and maximal intensity is several tens higher. The probable reason of such a high prevalence and intensity of this invasion could be the too high density of bison in Białowieża Forest, and as an effect a significant accumulation of invasive larvae of this parasite in the environment. Obtained results allow to suppose that the number of ill and weak calves which should be eliminated will rise soon. So the permanent monitoring of the infected bison with dictiocaulosis in Białowieża Forest is necessary.
Copyright (c) 2009 Aleksander W. Demiaszkiewicz, Anna M. Pyziel, Jacek Lachowicz, Izabela Kuligowska https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Neospora caninum in European bison in Poland – the current research status
The prevalence of antibodies to Neospora caninum was examined in European bison (Bison bonasus bonasus L.) living in Białowieża, Poland. At first, sera of 62 European bison selected and shot from 2007 to March 2009, different ages and sexes, were tested for N. caninum antibodies using ELISA test. Positive antibody responses were found in 3 bison (prevalence 4.84 %). Additionally, all positive sera were tested by Western blot to verify the ELISA results. The Western blot results confirmed the presence of antibodies to Neospora tachyzoites antigens in all tested ELISA positive sera. Thereafter, 125 sera collected from immobilized bison in 2007–2009 were tested as well. High antibody responses were found in 10 bison (prevalence 8%). Our results strongly indicate the presence of N. caninum in the European bison in Poland. Further researches are needed to evaluate the existence of a sylvatic cycle of N. caninum.
Copyright (c) 2009 Władysław Cabaj, Justyna Bień, Katarzyna Goździk, Bożena Moskwa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Difficulties with the choice of proper method for determination of serum levels of total testosterone (TT) in European bison males
The objective of the study was to compare two methods used to determine serum levels of total testosterone (TT) in European bison Bison bonasus (Linnaeus, 1758) males: the radioimmunological method (RIA) and the immunoenzymatic method (ELISA). The study material included sera from 83 European bison males aged 2 months – 19 years, which were culled in the autumn and winter periods (in the post-rutting season), in the years 1993–2002, in the Białowiez˙a Primeval Forest. TT levels were determined using the two methods (RIA and ELISA) in the same animals. The following age groups were distinguished: class I – calves under the age of 1 year, class II –juveniles under the age of 2 years, class III –juveniles under the age of 3, class IV – adult males aged 4–5 years, class V – adult males aged 6–12 years, class VI-old bulls over the age of 12. In our study, serum TT levels measured using the RIA method were lower, higher or similar in comparison with those determined by ELISA in the same animals, although higher concentrations were more frequent when the ELISA method was used. With the RIA method, we obtained 26 results (31.30%) below the bottom limit for this method, i.e. 0.14ng/ml. Included in this number there were 18 animals in class I (56.25%), 6 in class II (37.50%), 1 in class III (14.28%) and 1 in class V (11.11%). The mean serum levels of TT determined by ELISA were higher than those obtained using RIA in the same age classes, the difference being statistically significant in class I and II (p<0.001), and on the border of statistical significance in class IV and VI (p<0.088 and p<0.047, respectively).
Copyright (c) 2009 Elżbieta Czykier https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Difficulties with the choice of proper method for determination the levels of serum of 17S-estradiol (E2) in European bison males
The study objective was to compare two methods used to determine serum levels of 17S-estradiol (E2) in European bison Bison bonasus (Linnaeus, 1758) males: the radioimmunological method (RIA) and the immunoenzymatic method (ELISA). The study material included sera from 101 European bison males aged 2 months – 19 years, which were culled in the autumn and winter periods (in the post-rutting season), in the years 1993–2002, in the Białowiez˙a Primeval Forest. E2 levels were determined using the two methods (RIA and ELISA) in the same animals. The following age groups were distinguished: class I – calves under the age of 1 year, class II –juveniles under the age of 2 years, class III –juveniles under the age of 3, class IV – adult males aged 4–5 years, class V – adult males aged 6–12 years, class VI-old bulls over the age of 12. Using the RIA method to determine serum concentrations of E2 in European bison males, all the values obtained were below the bottom limit for this method. However, the use of the ELISA method revealed serum levels of E2 in all the 101 males. The highest median serum levels of E2 were noted in the youngest European bison from age classes I and II, whereas the lowest in adult bulls (age class V), actively participating in reproduction. However, in the 4–5 -year-old animals (age class IV), sexually mature, but not involved in reproduction due to a lower status in the herd, the median serum level of E2 was nearly twice as high as in the class V bulls. The remaining European bison specimens (juveniles aged 3 years and old bulls over 12) had almost identical median serum levels of E2, the values falling in the middle, between the highest and the lowest median levels observed in the other animals. We found great individual differences in the serum levels of E2 in the respective animals in all the age classes studied.
Selected aspects of adaptations to the parasitism of hair follicle mites (Acari: Demodecidae) from hoofed mammals
The Demodecidae are one of the most specialized parasitic arthropods of mammals, so far recorded in representatives of thirteen mammalian order, therein 16 species were described from hoofed mammals. Parasitic adaptations involve size and shape of the body which is elongated, worm-like, providing a specific adaptation to life in hair follicles or in various glands and their ducts. In addition, demodecids show an extreme reduction of a number of morphological characters. Some species show, moreover, certain other, specific adaptations to various microhabitats; those adaptations may, for instance, involve, the shape and size of tagms, the shape and localisation of supracoxal spines, setae on the palps, claws or the presence of the dorsal process on the opisthosoma. Specific modifications have enabled particular species to adapt not just to life in the skin of different mammalian species, but also to the different microhabitats they have colonised there. As a result, particular host species are parasitised by synhospitalic species specific to them, usually differing in their location in the skin.
Copyright (c) 2009 Joanna N. Izdebska https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The sex and age-related characteristic and the analysis of the natural reasons of death of European bison (Bison bonasus L.) in the breeding station of the Oksky reserve
The author has analyzed reports of dissecting carcasses of animals and certificates on deaths of 128 bison from 1960 to 2008. The highest death rate is observed among bison being about one year old (57%). Themortality rate within a year occurs unevenly. In summer, autumn and winter there is an increase of this factor. Causes of animals’ death in the breeding station have been classified according to the groups: traumas, diseases of different organs, invasion and infectious diseases. The main cause of animals’ death are traumas – 43.7%. Helminthosis, problems of digestive apparatus and poisoning are on the second place among the death reasons. Bison under one year die of traumas, still birth, breakage of an umbilical cord, and absence of mother’s milk.
Copyright (c) 2009 Ekaterina L. Tsibizova https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Parameters of a founder group and long term viability of a newly created European bison populations
Abstract: Simulations of the European bison population development were carried out according to scenarios that included various characteristics of a founder group: size (N = 6; 10; 20; 30), age (calves versus sexually mature individuals), and females: males ratio (1:1, 2:1, 4:1). Introduction was simulated as a single event or a series of supplementations. Probability of population extinction, level of heterozygosity and the percentage of alleles retained in the extant populations, as well as the mean population growth rate were analysed at the end of 100-year period of population development. The results led to the following conclusions that may help to keep the level of genetic variability of created populations in the long term as high as possible: 1. The total number of founders should not be lower than 10 individuals; females : males ratio among founders is suggested to be 2:1 or higher. Founders should be selected on the basis of their pedigrees. 2. The new herds should be established in areas with possibly the highest carrying capacity. If the carrying capacity is low, the better solution would be to establish a new herd as a part of a meta-population or release bison in several stages with regular supplementations. 3. Supplementations with females or individuals of both sexes seem to be more favourable for population viability than supplementations with males only.
Copyright (c) 2009 Katarzyna Daleszczyk https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0