The ruminantia (mammalia, cetartiodactyla) from the oligocene to the early miocene of Western Europe: systematics, plaeoecology and palaeobiogeography
Nowadays, the ruminants are the most ecologically diverse hoofed mammals of the world. All the extent of families (including related species from the Burdigalian) and feeding habits can be deduced from the mandible shape. The Tragulidae possess a small coronoid process, a shortened diastema, and a weak incisura vasorum. The Eupecora have an elongated diastema […]
An integrated chromosome-scale genome assembly of the Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi)
Background: The Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) is the largest-bodied giraffe and the world’s tallest terrestrial animal. With its extreme size and height, the giraffe’s unique anatomical and physiological adaptations have long been of interest to diverse research fields. Giraffes are also critical to ecosystems of sub-Saharan Africa, with their long neck serving as a […]
Serum concentrations of amino acids, fatty acids, lipoproteins, vitamins A and E, and minerals in apparently healthy, free-ranging Southern Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis giraffe)
This pilot project began establishing a nutritional profile for free-ranging giraffe. The results will be used as a tool to begin assessing the nutritional status of captive giraffe. In October 2004 serum samples were collected opportunistically from seven adult and 17 sub-adult giraffe being anesthetized for different studies. Seventeen animals were from Double Drift Game […]
Comparisons of Salmonella conjugation and virulence gene hyperexpression mediated by rumen protozoa from domestic and exotic ruminants
Recent studies have identified a phenomenon in which ciliated protozoa engulf Salmonella and the intra-protozoal environment hyperactivates virulence gene expression and provides a venue for conjugal transfer of antibiotic resistance plasmids. The former observation is relegated to Salmonella bearing the SGI1 multiresistance integron while the latter phenomenon appears to be a more generalized event for […]
Effects of body size on the diurnal activity budgets of African browsing ruminants
We compared the diurnal activity budgets of four syntopic species of African browsing ruminant that differ widely in body size. These were concurrently studied through all phases of the seasonal cycle, in the same area, using the same methods. We tested five predictions from the literature on how body size is expected to influence the […]
Feed Selection and Digestibility by Captive Giraffe
A digestion trial with subsequent examination of feed selection was conducted using two captive giraffe fed four feedstuffs. Apparent digestibility coefficients were relatively high, indicating that the animals were efficiently utilizing the feedstuffs. However, values could be affected by the possible ingestion of soil containing acid‐insoluble ash. A high fiber pelleted feed was eaten in […]
Characterization of Tannin-tolerant Bacterial Isolates from East African Ruminants
Several tannin-tolerant bacteria were isolated from enrichment cultures of rumen microflora of bush duiker, giraffe, Grant’s gazelle, sheep, and goat, and established in medium containing crude tannin extracts or tannic acid. The isolates were characterized by classical and molecular methods. The isolates were also tested for the presence of tannin acylhydrolase. Characterization by restriction fragment […]
Daytime activity patterns of gerenuk and giraffe in Tsavo National Park, Kenya
Individual daytime activity patterns of gerenuks (Litocranius walleri) and giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) varied considerably, being influenced by such factors as the social environment, reproductive status, predators, and weather conditions. In male gerenuks and female giraffes, relative feeding time per day was inversely correlated with ambient temperature at 14.00 hours; the same relationship applied to mean […]
Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase as a prognostic indicator of neonatal viability in nondomestic ruminants
Rapid assessment of immune status in neonatal ruminants of endangered species facilitates early intervention in cases of inadequate passive transfer of maternal immunoglobulins. Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) was used to evaluate suspected passive transfer status in 25 North Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak vaginalis), 45 Cretan goats (Capra algagrus cretica), 20 white-lipped deer (Cervus albirostris), 25 Mhorr […]