Browsing by Author "Collins T"

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    Marine mammal conservation: over the horizon
    (Inter-Research, 2021-03-25) Nelms SE; Alfaro-Shigueto J; Arnould JPY; Avila IC; Nash SB; Campbell E; Carter MID; Collins T; Currey RJC; Domit C; Franco-Trecu V; Fuentes MMPB; Gilman E; Harcourt RG; Hines EM; Hoelze AR; Hooker SK; Johnston DW; Kelkar N; Kiszka JJ; Laidre KL; Mangel JC; Marsh H; Maxwe SM; Onoufriou AB; Palacios DM; Pierce GJ; Ponnampalam LS; Porter LJ; Russell DJF; Stockin KA; Sutaria D; Wambiji N; Weir CR; Wilson B; Godley BJ; McMahon C
    Marine mammals can play important ecological roles in aquatic ecosystems, and their presence can be key to community structure and function. Consequently, marine mammals are often considered indicators of ecosystem health and flagship species. Yet, historical population declines caused by exploitation, and additional current threats, such as climate change, fisheries bycatch, pollution and maritime development, continue to impact many marine mammal species, and at least 25% are classified as threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable) on the IUCN Red List. Conversely, some species have experienced population increases/recoveries in recent decades, reflecting management interventions, and are heralded as conservation successes. To continue these successes and reverse the downward trajectories of at-risk species, it is necessary to evaluate the threats faced by marine mammals and the conservation mechanisms available to address them. Additionally, there is a need to identify evidence-based priorities of both research and conservation needs across a range of settings and taxa. To that effect we: (1) outline the key threats to marine mammals and their impacts, identify the associated knowledge gaps and recommend actions needed; (2) discuss the merits and downfalls of established and emerging conservation mechanisms; (3) outline the application of research and monitoring techniques; and (4) highlight particular taxa/populations that are in urgent need of focus.
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    Objective measures for the assessment of post-operative pain in Bos indicus Bull calves following castration
    (MDPI AG, 2017-09) Musk GC; Jacobsen S; Hyndman TH; Lehmann HS; Tuke SJ; Collins T; Gleerup KB; Johnson CB; Laurence M
    The aim of the study was to assess pain in Bos indicus bull calves following surgical castration. Forty-two animals were randomised to four groups: no castration (NC, n = 6); castration with pre-operative lidocaine (CL, n = 12); castration with pre-operative meloxicam (CM, n = 12); and, castration alone (C, n = 12). Bodyweight was measured regularly and pedometers provided data on activity and rest from day -7 (7 days prior to surgery) to 13. Blood was collected for the measurement of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin, fibrinogen, and iron on days 0, 3 and 6. Bodyweight and pedometry data were analysed with a mixed effect model. The blood results were analysed with repeated measure one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). There was no treatment effect on bodyweight or activity. The duration of rest was greatest in the CM group and lowest in the C group. There was a significant increase in the concentrations of SAA, haptoglobin, and fibrinogen in all of the groups from day 0 to 3. Iron concentrations were not different at the time points it was measured. The results of this study suggest that animals rest for longer periods after the pre-operative administration of meloxicam. The other objective assessments measured in this study were not able to consistently differentiate between treatment groups.