Immobilization of African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) using etorphine–midazolam compared with etorphine–azaperone

Please read abstract in the article.https://www.journals.elsevier.com/veterinary-anaesthesia-and-analgesiahj2022Companion Animal Clinical StudiesProduction Animal Studie

The effect of different cropping methods on the meat quality of various game species

Thesis (MScAgric (Animal Sciences))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The production and especially the export of game meat from Southern African are steadily increasing and with this growth, it is inevitable that more emphasis is being placed on the quality of game meat. Research regarding the effect of different cropping methods on ante-mortem stress, and as a result, on meat quality in wild ungulates, is lacking and thus the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of some of the commonly used cropping methods on the meat quality of red hartebeest, impala, gemsbok and kudu. Antemortem stress was measured using serum cortisol levels (nmol/L), a subjective stress score allocated to each animal as well as the rate and extent of pH decline in the M. longissimus dorsi. Special emphasis was also placed on the meat quality parameters drip loss, cooking loss, colour and Warner-Bratzler shear force (kg/1.27 cm diameter). The effect of day and night cropping on the meat quality of red hartebeest, gemsbok and kudu was investigated. An exponential decay model, y = a + b-ct, was fitted to the pH data of the gemsbok and red hartebeest, and pHu measurements taken at 24 hours post-mortem. Only pHu readings taken at 48 hours post-mortem were analysed in the kudu. Day-cropped kudu had a lower mean pHu (5.40 ± 0.030) than nightcropped kudu (5.48 ± 0.041). No differences in pHu were found for the red hartebeest although night-cropped gemsbok had a higher mean pHu (5.54 ± 0.013) than day-cropped gemsbok (5.49 ± 0.014). None of the constants of the exponential decay model differed for the red hartebeest although day-cropped gemsbok produced a lower constant than night-cropped gemsbok. Mean stress scores and cortisol levels were found to be higher in day-cropped animals for both the gemsbok and kudu while only cortisol levels were higher in die day-cropped red hartebeest. Stress score and cortisol levels were found to be correlated in all three species (red hartebeest: r = 0.51; gemsbok: r = 0.786; kudu: r = 0.823). No treatment differences in drip loss or cooking loss were found for either the red hartebeest or gemsbok, while day-cropped kudu had a higher mean drip loss % (2.76 ± 0.261%) than night-cropped kudu (1.36 ± 0.361%). Night-cropped gemsbok and kudu produced higher mean shear force values (gemsbok = 4.19 ± 0.138; kudu = 4.06 ± 0.237 kg/1.27 cm diameter) than day-cropped animals (gemsbok = 3.57 ± 0.154; kudu = 3.45 ± 0.171 kg/1.27 cm diameter). Colour differences indicated that day-cropped gemsbok and kudu produced lighter meat than night-cropped animals. The results indicate no difference in the effects of day and night cropping in red hartebeest although day-cropped gemsbok and kudu experienced more ante-mortem stress than their night-cropped counterparts. The effect of conventional hunting during the day and night cropping on impala meat was also investigated. No differences were found in pH45 or pHu (taken at 45 minutes and 24 hours post-mortem respectively) although the exponential decay model, y = a + b-ct, fitted to the pH data revealed differences in all the constants (day: a = 5.424 ± 0.039, b = 1.405 ± 0.034, c = -0.385 ± 0.022; night: a = 5.295 ± 0.033, b = 1.556 ± 0.029, c = -0.184 ± 0.019). No differences were found for drip loss, cooking loss or shear force although day-cropped animals produced higher a* and chroma values. The results indicate that, although conventional hunting caused a faster and more severe post-mortem pH decline, both treatments produced meat of similar quality.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die produksie en veral die uitvoer van wildsvleis vanuit Suidelike Afrika is gedurig aan die toeneem en met hierdie groei is dit onvermydelik dat meer klem op die gehalte van wildsvleis gelê word. Daar is ’n tekort aan navorsing oor die uitwerking van verskillende oesmetodes op ante mortem stres en gevolglik ook vleisgehalte van verskillende wildspesies en dus was die doel van dié studie om die uitwerking van sommige van die gewildste oesmetodes op die vleisgehalte van rooihartebees, gemsbok, koedoe en rooibok te ondersoek. Ante mortem stres is gemeet deur die gebruik van serum-kortisolvlakke (nmol/L), ʼn subjektiewe strestelling wat aan elke dier gegee is asook die tempo en vlak van pH-daling in die M. longissimus dorsi. Spesiale klem is gelê op die vleisgehalteparameters drupverlies, kookverlies, kleur en Warner-Bratzlerskeurwaarde (kg/1.27 cm deursnee). Die uitwerking van dag- en nag-oes op die vleisgehalte van rooihartebees, gemsbok en koedoe is ondersoek. ’n Eksponensiële vervalkurwe, y = a + b-ct, is aan die pH-data van die gemsbokke en rooihartebeeste gepas en pHu-metings is op 24 uur ná dood geneem. Net pHu-lesings op 48 uur ná dood in die koedoe is geanaliseer. Koedoes wat in die dag geoes is, het ’n laer pHu (5.40 ± 0.030) gehad as koedoes wat in die nag geoes is (5.48 ± 0.041). Daar was geen verskille in pHu vir die rooihartebeeste nie, alhoewel die gemsbokke wat in die nag geoes is, ’n hoër pHu (5.54 ± 0.013) gehad het as gemsbokke wat in die dag geoes is (5.49 ± 0.014) . Geeneen van die konstantes van die eksponensiële vervalkurwe het verskil in die geval van rooihartebeeste nie terwyl gemsbokke wat in die dag geoes is ʼn hoër konstante a en ʼn laer konstante c getoon het as gemsbokke wat in die nag geoes is. Gemiddelde strestellings en kortisolvlakke was hoër in die geval van gemsbokke en koedoes wat in die dag geoes is terwyl net die kortisolvlakke hoër was in die rooihartebeeste wat in die dag geoes is. Daar is ook bevind dat die strestelling en kortisolvlakke gekorreleer was in al drie spesies (hartebees: r = 0.51; gemsbok: r = 0.786; koedoe: r = 0.823). Geen verskille in drupverlies of kookverlies is aangetref vir die rooihartebeeste of gemsbokke nie, alhoewel koedoes wat in die dag geoes is ʼn hoër gemiddelde drupverlies % (2.76 ± 0.261%) getoon het in vergelyking met koedoes wat in die nag geoes is (1.36 ± 0.361%). Gemsbokke en koedoes wat in die nag geoes is, het ’n hoër gemiddelde skeurwaarde gehad (gemsbokke = 4.19 ± 0.138; koedoes = 4.06 ± 0.237 kg/1.27 cm deursnee) as diere wat in die dag geoes is (gemsbokke = 3.57 ± 0.154; koedoes = 3.45 ± 0.171 kg/1.27 cm deursnee). Kleurverskille het aangedui dat gemsbokke en koedoes wat in die dag geoes is, ligter gekleurde vleis geproduseer het as diere wat in die nag geoes is. Die resultate dui aan dat daar by rooihartebeeste geen verskil is tussen die uitwerking van dag-oes en nag-oes nie, maar dat die dag-oes van gemsbokke en koedoes meer voordoodse stres veroorsaak het as nag-oes. Die uitwerking van konvensionele jag gedurende die dag- en nag-oes op die vleisgehalte van rooibokke is ook ondersoek. Geen verskille is aangetref in pH45 of pHu (geneem op 45 minute en 24 uur ná dood onderskeidelik) nie, alhoewel die eksponensiële vervalkurwe, y = a + b-ct, wat gepas is aan die pH-data verskille getoon het in al die konstantes (dag: a = 5.424 ± 0.039, b = 1.405 ± 0.034, c = -0.385 ± 0.022; nag: a = 5.295 ± 0.033, b = 1.556 ± 0.029, c = -0.184 ± 0.019). Geen verskille is aangetref ten opsigte van drupverlies, kookverlies of skeurkrag nie. Diere volgens die konvensionele maniere geoes het wel hoër a*-en chroma-waardes getoon. Die resultate dui daarop dat, alhoewel konvensionele jag ʼn vinniger en meer ekstreme pH-daling veroorsaak het, albei behandelinge tot dieselfde vleisgehalte gelei het

Comparing the effects of tranquilisation with long-acting neuroleptics on blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) behaviour and physiology

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In South Africa, large numbers of game animals are translocated annually. These animals are subjected to a great amount of stress and the use of long-acting neuroleptics (LANs) has become a common practice to minimize animal stress. Long-acting neuroleptics suppress behavioural responses without affecting spinal and other reflexes, and can be administered in such a manner that a single dose results in a therapeutically effective tissue concentration for anywhere between three to seven days. The mammalian stress response consists of a variety of physiological responses, and the study aimed to quantify a number of these responses in blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus). This was done in order to compare the effects of a commonly used LAN, Acuphase® (zuclopenthixol acetate in vegetable oil), with a newly developed LAN, Acunil® (zuclopenthixol acetate in a low-release polymer), in minimizing the stress response of blue wildebeest in captivity. A human biotelemetry belt, Equivital™ EQ02, was modified to fit this species, and the results from a validation study indicated that the belt accurately measured heart and respiration rate, respectively, in blue wildebeest. The belt also measured motion accurately, and this made the monitoring of conscious animals prior to and after being treated with a LAN, possible. A faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) assay was also validated for use in blue wildebeest. Three sets of trials were performed in which animals received one of three treatments; Acuphase®, Acunil® or a placebo in order to evaluate the effect of each. Animals were monitored for 12 hours before and 12 hours after treatment. The results showed that although both Acuphase® and Acunil® resulted in a decrease in vigilant behaviour and an increase in resting behaviour, similar results were observed when animals received a placebo. Animals treated with Acunil®, however, exhibited a decrease in explorative behaviour as well as an increase in the time they spent eating. Heart rate was unaffected by any of the three treatments, and this lack of effect by either of the LANs may potentially be due to reflex tachycardia in response to hypotension. Respiration rate was lowered by both LANs, specifically during certain behaviours, with this effect being absent in placebo-treated animals. In addition, the motion of the animals indicated that LAN-treated animals had a lowered flight response to a person entering the enclosure. Endocrine parameters measured in the blood and faeces of the animals before and after treatment revealed a minimal effect. Neither the acute nor the chronic stress response appeared to be significantly reduced by treatment with Acuphase® or Acunil®. In addition, immune function (as quantified by white blood cell count and neutrophil response) revealed that the chronic stress of captivity lowered the immune response of the animals. This decrease in immunocompetence, however, could not be ascribed to any of the LAN treatments. In conclusion, the most pronounced effects observed with the administration of both LANs included a decrease in respiration rate, and responsiveness of the animals. Long term studies on the effect of LAN administration on immune function and endocrine responses may yield more conclusive results regarding the stress responses of wild animals in captivity.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In Suid-Afrika word ’n groot aantal wild jaarliks verskuif. Hierdie diere is onderhewig aan ’n groot hoeveelheid stres en die gebruik van langwerkende neuroleptika (LWN) is ’n algemene praktyk om stres te verminder. Langwerkende neuroleptika onderdruk gedragsresponse sonder om spinale en ander reflekse te beïnvloed en kan op so ʼn wyse toegedien word dat ʼn enkel dosis toediening ʼn terapeuties effektiewe weefsel-konsentrasie vir drie tot sewe dae kan handhaaf. By soogdiere bestaan die stres respons uit verskillende fisiologiese reaksies en hierdie studie het beoog om ʼn aantal van hierdie reaksies in blouwildebeeste (Connochætes taurinus) te kwantifiseer. Dit is gedoen om die gevolge van ʼn algemeen gebruikte LWN, Acuphase® (zuklopentiksol-asetaat in groente-olie) te vergelyk met ʼn nuut ontwikkelde LWN, Acunil® (zuklopentiksol-asetaat in ʼn stadig-vrystellende polimeer) om die voorkoms van stres by blouwildebeeste in aanhouding te verlaag. ʼn Biotelemetrie gordel, Equivital™ EQ02, ontwikkel vir menslike gebruik, is aangepas om hierdie spesie te pas. Die resultate van ʼn valideringstudie het aangedui dat die gordel hart- en respirasietempo’s presies in blouwildebeeste kon meet. Beweging kon ook presies deur die gordel gemeet word, wat die monitering van bewuste diere voor en nadat hulle met ʼn LWN behandel is, moontlik gemaak het. ʼn Toets vir fekale glukokortikoïed metaboliete (FGM) is ook gevalideer vir gebruik by blouwildebeeste. Drie stelle proewe is uitgevoer waarin diere een van drie behandelings ontvang het: Acuphase®, Acunil® of ʼn plasebo. Diere is vir 12 uur voor en 12 uur ná behandeling gemoniteer. Die resultate het getoon dat, alhoewel beide Acuphase® en Acunil® tot ʼn afname in waaksame gedrag en ʼn toename in rusgedrag gelei het, dat soortgelyke resultate ook waargeneem is wanneer diere ʼn plasebo ontvang het. Maar die diere wat met Acunil® behandel is, het ʼn afname in ondersoekende gedrag en ʼn toename in die tyd wat hulle aan vreet bestee het, getoon. Hartklop was nie deur enige van die drie behandelings beïnvloed nie, alhoewel die gebrek aan ʼn invloed van albei LWN’s moontlik aan reflekstagikardie in reaksie op hipotensie, toegeskryf kan word. Asemhalingstempo is deur beide LWN’s verlaag met sekere soorte gedrag - dié effek is nie by plasebo-behandelde diere waargeneem nie. Daarbenewens het die beweging van die diere ook aangedui dat LWN-behandelde diere ʼn minder prominente vlugreaksie getoon het wanneer ʼn persoon in die boma ingestap het. Endokriene parameters gemeet in die bloed en mis van die diere voor en ná behandeling het ʼn minimale effek van die neuroleptika getoon. Nie die akute of die chroniese stresreaksie is aansienlik deur behandeling met Acuphase® of Acunil® geïnhibeer nie. Immuunfunksie (gekwantifiseer d.m.v. witbloedseltellings en neutrofielreaksies) is deur die chroniese stres van aanhouding beïnvloed, soos waargeneem in ʼn verlaagde immuunrespons. Die kompromie van immuunrespons is nie beduidend deur LWN behandeling beïnvloed nie. In samevatting – die mees beduidende invloed van beide LWN’s is waargeneem as ʼn afname in onderskeidleik die asemhalingstempo en die vlugreaksie van die diere. Langertermynstudies oor die uitwerking van hierdie LWN’s op immuunfunksie en endokriene reaksies op stres kan moontlik meer insig gee in hoe diere op stres a.g.v. aanhouding reageer

A Comparison between the effects of day and night cropping on greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) meat quality

The greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) has become a popular ungulate species for game meat production and the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of day and night cropping on its meat quality. Eight animals were cropped during the day and eight at night. Day-cropped animals had higher mean behavioural scores (perceived amount of ante-mortem stress experienced) and Cortisol levels (behavioural score = 3.0 ± 0.641; Cortisol = 68 ± 1.28 nmol/l) than night-cropped animals (behavioural score = 1.8 ± 0.955; Cortisol = 14 ± 2.15 nmol/l). The muscle ultimate pH (pHu) values differed significantly between the two treatments (day-cropped animals = 5.40 ± 0.030; night-cropped = 5.48 ± 0.041). Significant differences were also found in drip loss (day-cropped = 2.76 ± 0.261%; night-cropped = 1.36 ± 0.361 %) and in shear force between treatments (day-cropped = 3.45 ± 0.171; night-cropped = 4.06 ± 0.237 kg/1.27 cm diameter). No differences were found between the treatments for any of the colour ordlnates, except L* values (day-cropped: 33.45 ± 0.435; night-cropped = 32.13 ± 0.601). The results of this study are Inconclusive in that although day-cropped animals experienced more ante-mortem stress and, as a result produced meat with higher drip loss, they had a lower shear force and a paler colour, which are positive meat quality attributes associated with less stress

Comparing the effects on meat quality of conventional hunting and night cropping of impala (Aepyceros melampus)

In South Africa, night cropping from a vehicle is commercially used to crop game. Conventional hunting employs the principles of fair chase and usually consists of hunting on foot during the day. The purpose of this study was to compare the meat quality of the impala (Aepyceros melampus) shot utilizing these two methods. No significant differences in pH or pH were found between the two methods. An exponential decay model (y = a + b ) was fitted to the pH data and conventionally hunted animals showed significantly higher rates of pH decline (c = -0.385 ± 0.022 units per hour) than night-cropped animals (c = -0.184 ± 0.019 units per hour) - a phenomenon that may be linked to the ante-mortem stress experienced by the animals, and the cooling rate of the carcasses. Impala conventionally hunted also had significantly higher constants for the pH exponential model (a = 5.424 ± 0.039; b = 1.405 ± 0.034) than the night-cropped impala (a = 5.295 ± 0.033; b = 1.556 ± 0.029). No significant differences were found with regards to meat quality between treatments except for slight differences in colour (night-cropped: a* = 10.56 ± 0.229, chroma = 12.81 ± 0.235; day-hunted: a* = 11.41 ± 0.245, chroma = 13.78 ± 0.252: the later being slightly darker). The study therefore found that conventional hunting affected the rate of pH decline of the carcasses but did not adversely affect the meat quality compared to night cropping

A comparison between the effects of day versus night cropping on the quality parameters of red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) meat

Ante-mortem stress is known to adversely affect meat quality, and cropping methods that minimize stress are key to ensuring acceptable meat quality from wild ungulates. The purpose of this study was to compare the difference in meat quality between day- and nightcropped red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus). The cropping method had no significant effect on the stress parameters, the ultimate pH of the meat or any of the constants of the exponential decay model of the pH data (y=a+b e). No significant differences were found in drip loss, cooking loss or shear force between treatments. Significant correlations were found between carcass pH versus drip (r = -0.322) and cooking losses (r = -0.323). A significant difference was found for a* (P= 0.048) and chroma (P= 0.032) between day and night-cropped animals. All colour ordinates, except hue angle, were found to be significantly correlated to pH. The results of this study indicate that if an experienced cropping team is used, neither of the two cropping methods has any adverse effect on the meat quality of red hartebeest

Game harvesting procedures and their effect on meat quality: the Africa experience

This paper discusses the major methods employed to harvest game on a commercial basis in South Africa and Namibia. These two countries are presently the major exporters of game meat from southern Africa. The methods employed are determined by the specific species and the terrain where these species are found. The wild behaviour and extensive nature of game species mean that inevitably the mechanics of game meat production are infinitely more complex than those of domestic production systems where stock can be driven to a central meat production facility. Unlike with domestic animals, good management practices that minimise stress during pre-slaughter handling are difficult to employ with wild ungulates since factors such as terrain, time limitations, weather and the behaviour of specific species will hinder the efficiency of the harvesting process. As the export and local consumption of game meat in Africa increases, it is becoming increasingly important to maximise its quality in order for it to compete with that of domestic species. One of the major quality aspects that can be controlled through proper management is the use of cropping methods suited to the specific species being cropped and efficient in minimising ante mortem stress. Relating this ante mortem stress to the meat quality of wild ungulates is also essential in understanding the importance of the harvesting process when it comes to the quality of the product being produced

Validating a human biotelemetry system for use in captive blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus)

We fitted two blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) with modified versions of the Equivital™ EQ02 wireless monitoring system to evaluate if the device could accurately measure heart rate and respiration rate in this species whilst anaesthetized as well as whilst fully conscious in captivity. Whilst under anaesthesia, we monitored each animal's heart rate and respiration rate using the Equivital™ biotelemetry belt, a Cardell® veterinary monitor and manual measurements. The animals were also administered doxapram hydrochloride (Dopram®) and adrenaline intravenously at different times to stimulate changes in respiration and heart rate, respectively. Once 30 minutes of monitoring was completed, we reversed the anaesthetic and left the animals in captivity for 24 hours whilst wearing the Equivital™ belts. After 24hr, we repeated the anaesthesia and monitoring as well as the administration of the doxapram hydrochloride and adrenaline. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) calculated between all three monitoring methods showed moderate to excellent agreements for heart rate on both days (ICC: 0.73-0.98). ICCs calculated between the three methods for respiration rate showed good to excellent agreement between the Equivital belt and the other two methods (0.82-0.92) with the exception of occasions when only poor to fair agreements were found between the Cardell® measurements and manual measurements. Heart rate and respiration rate were also found to increase with motion while animals were in captivity. The results indicate that a modified version of the Equivital™ EQ02 system can be used as a potential biotelemetry device for measuring heart and respiration rate in captive blue wildebeest

The effect of a slow-release formulation of zuclopenthixol acetate (Acunil®) on captive blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) behavior and physiological response

The study investigated the effect of a slow-release formulation of zuclopenthixol acetate (Acunil®) on blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) in captivity. Two groups of trials were conducted using either Acunil or a placebo (control). Animals (Acunil: n = 17; placebo: n = 12) were observed for a 12-hr period before the administration of Acunil or the placebo (pretreatment). After 24 hr, animals were administered Acunil (1.5 mg/kg) or a placebo (1.0-3.0 ml of sterile water) and observed again for 12 hr (posttreatment). During both treatments, animals were stimulated every 2 hr for 1 min by a person entering the enclosure (referred to as periods of stimulation). Behavioral observations and continuous heart rate, respiration rate, and motion measurements were taken throughout. Animals treated with Acunil spent more time lying with their heads folded back, eating and standing with their heads down, and less time being vigilant and exploring while walking around. Animals treated with the placebo also spent less time being vigilant and more time lying with heads up. Animals treated with Acunil groomed less while standing and performed less head shaking; no such changes were observed in the control group. Neither Acunil nor the placebo had any effect (P > 0.05) on heart rate. However, overall mean respiration rate was lowered (P = 0.02) when animals were treated with Acunil (pretreatment: 14.5 ± 0.82 breaths/min; posttreatment: 12.5 ± 0.83 breaths/min). Acunil also caused a lowered (P < 0.05) respiration rate during periods when animals were stimulated (pretreatment: 16.2 ± 0.87 breaths/min; posttreatment: 13.7 ± 0.87 breaths/min) and when animals were trotting and being vigilant. No such changes were observed with the placebo. Both placebo- and Acunil-treated animals spent more time being stationary during periods of stimulation. However, Acunil-treated animals also spent less time moving fast when they were stimulated

Complication with re-sedation in southern Ground-hornbills (Bucorvus leadbeateri) following partial reversal of two orally administered sedation protocols

The combination of midazolam, medetomidine and azaperone (MMA) was compared with the combination of butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine (BAM) for the sedation of southern Ground-hornbills when administered orally in a bait. The BAM combination (30 mg butorphanol, 12 mg azaperone and 12 mg medetomidine per ml of solution) at a dose of 0.14 ml/kg was the only combination that did not result in re-sedation after reversal. However, induction of sedation was long, and sedation was only deep enough for capture, handling, and minor, non-invasive procedures. The MMA combination and higher doses of the BAM combination resulted in quicker inductions although individuals showed mild to severe signs of re-sedation, starting at 4 hours after reversal and continuing for as long as 17 hours after reversal. Care should therefore be taken when administering these combinations orally to southern Ground-hornbills as it appears that absorption, metabolism and excretion are unpredictable in this species.Wildlife Group of the South African Veterinary Associationhttps://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/205261212022-12-16hj2022Production Animal Studie