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BackgroundCockatoo reproduction in captivity supplies a powerful tool to limit the economic motivation to capture endangered species from the wild; nevertheless, scientific data about reproductive parameters in cockatoos are very rare. The aim of the present work was to investigate the reproductive performance of different species of the Cacatua genus reared in the same facility to evaluate adaptability to captive breeding and to identify the main problems in ex situ conservation of some cockatoo species.MethodsData of 28 eggs from 19 reproductive pairs from 9 cockatoo species were analysed. Statistical analysis was carried out by SAS NPAR1WAY procedure: species was considered source of variation.ResultsSpecies effect does not significantly influence reproductive variables; differences were recorded in eggs fertility and embryo liveability. Bird adaptive ability to captive breeding has been described through reproductive parameters.ConclusionOur results show the importance and the maintenance of natural species-specific behaviours and habits, and they underline the relevance of data collection about reproductive performance in endangered species kept in captivity to improve breeding management in conservation programmes.

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Background: Part of the diagnostic workup for cardiac diseases is radiographic imaging. To determine an enlarged heart, species-specific reference values are necessary. Wild birds are rarely diagnosed with cardiac disease, and only a few studies have been done to investigate the cardiac silhouette in wild birds. Methods: In this retrospective study, the cardiac silhouette of 36 wild galahs, presented at the hospital, was investigated in relation to other anatomic landmarks like the thoracic width, clavicula width, synsacrum width, distance between the third and fourth rib, distance of the clavicula, and length and height of the sternum using a digital DICOM viewer. Results: The cardiac width was significant compared to the thoracic width with a minimum to maximum of 50 to 65%. The cardiac width compared with the coracoid width also showed significant results with a minimum to maximum range of 570 to 743%. A significant correlation was found between the weight and the cardiac width and length. Conclusion: The cardiac silhouette in wild galahs is easily measured in both radiographic views, and the heart size can be compared to other anatomical landmarks.

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2016-11-03T14:11:40

There are few published studies regarding lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) reproduction, crop milk composition, and hand-rearing under human care. Between the end of June and the beginning of August of 2017, three eggs were laid in a group of 29 lesser flamingos kept under human care. Two eggs and one chick were abandoned by the parents, and three chicks were hand-reared. This report describes diet composition, dietary intake, feeding protocols, and growth index, from the first day to 60 days after hatching, for three lesser flamingo chicks.

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