Fakulta tropického zemědělství

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Ongoing research topics
Publications
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Team news

Symmetry journal

Virtuální prohlídka Lány

About

The Animal Physiology and Behaviour team was created in 2018. The research activity of the team is focused on the links between physiological and behavioural patterns in wild and domestic species, with a special interest on mammals, including:

Feeding ecology, diet selection, and digestive efficiency;
Development of secondary sexual traits, like horns or antlers;
Reproductive behaviour, and suckling behaviour;
Social structures, animal communication, and physiological effects of animal welfare and husbandry practices;
Haematology, and biochemical and hormonal profiles;
Food safety, meat production and quality;
Parasitological monitoring of livestock and wild species.

Currently, our team is conducting research projects worldwide, with preference to tropical and subtropical areas, including Algeria, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Georgia, Mongolia, Namibia, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Spain, and Uruguay.

The activity of the team is based on three main facilities: the Laboratory of Animal Science and the Common Eland and Guanaco Research Facilities.

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People

Team coordinator:

doc. Francisco Ceacero Herrador, Ph.D.

Principal researchers:

Prof. MVDr. Daniela Lukešová, CSc.
doc. Tersia Needham Ph.D.
Ing. Radim Kotrba, Ph.D.
Ing. Tamara Fedorova, Ph.D.
Mgr. Martina Komárková, Ph.D.

PhD students:

Ing. Anna Bernátková – Behavioural ecology of Mongolian ungulates
Ing. Jana Marešová – Breeding management practices and reproductive performance in Camelids
Ing. Veit Ny – Influence of selected amino acids in the performance and ecology of Cervids
MSc. Muhammad Ali Mian – Factors affecting small ruminant breeding and meat production in selected regions in Pakistan
Ing. Abubakar Sadiq Musa – Effects of routine handling in the husbandry and welfare of common elands
MSc. Battogtokh Nasanbat – Biodiversity and ecological interactions among large mammals in Trans Altai Gobi Desert, Mongolia
Mgr. Jan Mengr – Factors affecting secondary sex ratio and survival in captive Cervids
MSc. Hajra Munir – Captive breeding and reintroduction of the endangered Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi)
PhDr. Mgr. Jericó Consolación – Reproductive biology of common eland males
Mgr. Veronika Kavanová - Antler investment in selected deer species
Sabainah Aremu Tolulope - Effects of alternative dietary protein sources on livestock performance

MSc students

Adelusi Adesewa, Maja Rendulić, Marketa Sůvá, Madiha Arfan, Iva Pešková, Sarah Dearman, Thonisso Chitambala, Anežka Malá.

BSc students

Alžběta Radiměřská, Tereza Nováková, Karolína Šmejkalová, Jakub Dvořák, Jiří Zalabák, Kateřina Macháčková, Kateřina Macháčková, Pavla Brejchová, Kristýna Friolová, Lucie Mojžíšková.

External students

MSc. Kateřina Šandlová (PhD, University of South Bohemia); Ing. Stipan Čupić (PhD, CZU-FLD); Ing. Marketa Swiacká (CZU-FZP); Anna Kolářová (MSc, University of South Bohemia); Eliška Tichá (MSc, CZU-FAFNR).

Since the foundation of the team in 2018, 34 BSc, 24 MSc and 2 PhD students have successfully defended their thesis under our supervision.

Ongoing research topics

Behavioural ecology and social structure of herds of Przewalski´s horses (Equuus ferus przewalskii) in Gobi B, Mongolia. – Cooperation with Prague Zoo.
Effects of amino acid supplementation and immunocastration in growth, digestive efficiency, blood biochemistry and carcass quality of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama).
Husbandry practices and welfare in farmed common eland (Taurotragus oryx).
Seasonal patterns of blood biochemistry and hormonal profiles in farmed common eland (Taurotragus oryx).
Ante- and post-mortem strategies to improve the meat quality of underutilized ungulates.
Optimization of traditional South African meat products.
Patterns of habituation to routine handling in farmed common eland (Taurotragus oryx).
Segregation patterns between large mammals in Gobi A, Mongolia.
Population dynamics of Gobi bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) in Gobi A, Mongolia.
Factors affecting secondary sex ratio and survival in captive Bactrian deer (Cervus hanglu bactrianus).
Monitoring of the in-situ captive population of Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi) and effectiveness of reintroduction program. – Cooperation with Talarak Foundation.
Effects of immunocastration in farmed common eland (Taurotragus oryx).
Personality traits and social success in horse bands of Exmoor ponies.
Influence of secondary sexual traits in the social rank of captive common eland (Taurotragus oryx)

Factors affecting antler breakage in wild cervids under different climatic environments.
Repeatability of courtship patterns in feral Exmoor ponies.
Phylogenetic influence in antler structure and mechanical properties.
Climatic, social and ecological factors affecting reproductive performance of Przewalski´s horses (Equuus ferus przewalskii) in Gobi B, Mongolia. – Cooperation with Prague Zoo.
Breeding Management Practices and Reproductive Performance in Camelids.
Maternal and nursing behaviour in ungulates.
Welfare of working donkeys in the Mediterranean area.
Adaptations of horses to extreme climatic conditions.
Antipredatory behaviour in horses.
Intra- and inter-specific variability in faecal nutrients in ungulates.
Human-horse communication.
Aromatherapy uses in ungulate breeding.
Non-invasive faecal hormone monitoring in ungulates.

Publications

In press

Swiacka M, Ingram D, Bohm T, Ceacero F (in press). Perceptions and uses of pangolins (Pholidota) among remote rural communities in the Republic of the Congo: a baseline study from Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Conservation Science and Practice.
Tajchman K, Janiszewski P, Steiner-Bogdaszewska Ż, Ceacero F (in press). Pre-rut behavioral changes in farmed red deer with reference to atmospheric conditions. South African Journal of Animal Science.

2022

Bernátková A, Oyunsaikhan G, Šimek J, Komárková M, Bobek M, Ceacero F (2022). Influence of weather on the behaviour of reintroduced Przewalski's Horses in the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area (Mongolia). Implications for conservation. BMC Zoology, 7:32
Fořtová J, del Mar Campo M, Valenta J, Needham T, Řehák D, Lebedová N, Bartoň L, Klouček P, Bureš D (2022). Preferences and acceptance of Czech and Spanish consumers regarding beef with varying intramuscular fat content. Meat Science, 192:108912.
Gomez JA, Pérez-Barbería FJ, García A, Cappelli J, Chonco L, Ceacero F, Serrano MP, Landete-Castillejos T (2022). Animal, environmental and parental factors affecting antler growth period and casting date in red deer. Journal of Mammalogy, 103(1):169-177.
Hoffman LC, Pretorius K, Gouws PA, Marais J, Needham T (2022). Muscle yields and physical meat quality characteristics of hot- vs. cold-deboned ostrich (Struthio camelus) meat. Meat Science, 187:108770.
Hoffman LC, Silberbauer BL, Needham T, Bureš D, Kotrba R, Strydom P (2022). Physical meat quality characteristics of Angolan giraffe (Giraffa giraffa angolensis) as affected by sex and muscle. Meat Science, 192:108911.
Hrnková J, Golovchenko M, Musa AS, Needham T, Italiya J, Ceacero F, Kotrba R, Grubhoffer L, Rudenko N, Černý J (in press). Underestimated threat? Exotic farm animals and their potential role in tick-borne pathogens cycling. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9:996015.
Krunt O, Zita L, Kraus A, Bureš D, Needham T, Volek Z (2022). The effect of housing system on rabbit growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality characteristics of different muscles. Meat Science, 193, 108953.
Lebedová N, Bureš D, Needham T, Fořtová J, Řehák D, Bartoň L (2022). Histological composition, physiochemical parameters, and organoleptic properties of three muscles from Fleckvieh bulls and heifers. Meat Science, 188, 108807.
Lojka B, Teutscherová N, Chládová A, Kala L, Szabó P, Martiník A, Weger J, Houška J, Červenka J, Kotrba R, Jobbiková J, Doležalová H, Snášelová M, Křcmářová J, Vávrová K, Králík T, Zavadil T, Lawson G (2022). Agroforestry in the Czech Republic: What Hampers the Comeback of a Once Traditional Land Use System? Agronomy:12, 69.
Mas-Carrió E, Schneider J, Nasanbat B, Samiya R, Buxton M, Nyamukondiwa C, Stoffel C, Augugliaro C, Ceacero F, Taberlet P, Glaizot O, Christe P, Fumagalli L (2022). Environmental DNA metabarcoding as a tool for biomonitoring of remote desert water bodies compared to camera trap survey. Environmental DNA, 4:580-595.
Needham T, Hoffman LC (2022). Species destined for non-traditional meat production: 1. African game species, cervids, ostriches, crocodiles and kangaroos. In: Preslaughter handling and slaughter of meat animals, Faucitano, L (Ed). Wageningen Academic Publishers.
Needham T, Musa AS, Kotrba R, Ceacero F, Hoffman LC, Lebedová N, Bureš D (2022). Carcass and offal yields of farmed common eland (Taurotragus oryx) males, as affected by age and immunocastration. Animals, 12, 2893.
Ny V, Needham T, Ceacero F (2022). Review on the potential of amino acids supplementation on performance and nutritional ecology of Cervids. Animal Nutrition, 11:391-401.
Pyszko M, Němeček P, Horák O, Páral V, Kotrba R, Hoffman LC, Robovský J (2022). Newly described anatomical opening on forelimb tendon in the artiodactyls and its relation to knee clicks. Scientific Reports, 12:4362.

2021

Bernátková A, Pařiková A, Cisneros R, Čupić S, Ceacero F (2021). Ecological effects on the nutritional value of bromeliads, and its influence on Andean bears´ diet selection. Ursus, 32:e21.
Čupić S, García AJ, Holá M, Ceacero F (2021). Evaluation of factors inducing variability of faecal nutrients in captive red deer under variable demands. Scientific Reports, 11:2341.
Gankhuyag G, Ceacero F, Yansanjav A, Hejcmanová P, Davaa L, Namkhaidorj S, Černá-Bolfíková B (2021) Long-term trends in livestock and wildlife interactions: do livestock numbers predict hunting of wolves, foxes, and rodents in Mongolian rangelands? Journal for Nature Conservation, 60:125969.
Hoffman LC, van Schalkwyk DL, Muller M, Needham T, McMillin KW (2021). Carcass Yields and Physical-Chemical Meat Quality Characteristics of Namibian Red Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) as Influenced by Sex and Muscle. Foods, 10:2347.
Lebedová N, Bureš D, Needham T, Čítek J, Dlubalová Z, Stupka R, Bartoň L (2020). Histochemical characterisation of high-value beef muscles from different breeds, and its relation to tenderness. Livestock Science, 247:104468.
Musa AS, Needham T, Neradilova S, Kotrba R, Ganswindt A, Ceacero F (2021). Habituation of common eland (Taurotragus oryx) to intensive routine handling, and the effect of immunocastration thereon. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 237:105294.
Nasanbat B, Ceacero F, Ravchig SA (2021). A small neighborhood well-organized: Seasonal and daily activity patterns of the community of large and mid-sized mammals around waterholes in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia. Frontiers in Zoology, 18:25.
Needham T, Engels RA, Hoffman LC (2021). Sensory characteristics of male impala (Aepyceros melampus) meat, produced under varying production systems and nutrition. Foods, 10:619.
Ny V, Houška M, Pavela R, Tříska J (2021). Potential benefits of incorporating Astragalus membranaceus into the diet of people undergoing disease treatment: An overview. Journal of Functional Foods, 77:104339
Rato C, Sillero N, Ceacero F, García-Munoz E, Carretero MA (2021). A survival story: evolutionary history of the Iberian Algyroides (Squamata: Lacertidae), an endemic lizard relict. Biodiversity and Conservation 30:2707-2729.
Šandlová K, Komárková M, Ceacero F (2021) Oh daddy where are thou: Social context modifies foals’ behaviour differently for colts and fillies. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 100:103543

2020

Bureš D, Bartoň L, Kudrnáčová E, Kotrba R, Hoffman LC (2020). The Effect of Barley and Lysine Supplementation on the longissimus lumborum Meat Quality of Pasture-Raised Fallow Deer (Dama dama). Foods, 9:1255.
Cappelli J, Ceacero F, Landete-Castillejos T, Gallego L, García A (2020). Smaller does not mean worse: variation of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) antlers from two distant populations in their mechanical and structural properties and mineral profile. Journal of Zoology, 311:66-75.
Cawthorn DM, Fitzhenry LB, Kotrba R, Bureš D, Hoffman LC (2020). Chemical Composition of Wild Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Meat from South Africa: A Preliminary Evaluation. Foods, 9:598.
Ceacero F, Clar MA, Ny V, Kotrba R (2020). Differential effects of ruminally-protected amino acids on fattening of fallow deer in two culling periods. Animal, 14:648-655.
Esattore B, Villagrán M, Pluháček J, Komárková M, Dušek A, Kotrba R, Bartošová J, Bartoš L (2020). To beat or not to beat: Behavioral plasticity during the antler growth period affects cortisol but not testosterone concentrations in red deer (Cervus elaphus) males. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 113552.
Hoffman L, van Schalkwyk D, Muller M, Needham T, van Rensburg B, McMillin K (2020). Carcass yields and physiochemical meat quality characteristics of Namibian gemsbok (Oryx gazella) as influenced by muscle, gender and age. Meat Science, 169: 108208.
Lázničková I, Fedorova T, Štolcová M, Kubátová A (2020). Urinary reproductive hormones influence seed germination within diluted urine of heifers: alternative pregnancy diagnostic method. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 46:8090-8099.
Lebedová N, Needham T, Čítek J, Okrouhlá M, Zadinová K, Pokorná K, Stupka R (2020). Comparison of?two muscle fibre staining techniques and their relation to?pork quality traits. Czech Journal of Animal Sciences, 65:193-204.
Needham T, Kotrba R, Hoffman L, Bureš D (2020). Ante-and post-mortem strategies to improve the meat quality of high-value muscles harvested from farmed male common eland (Taurotragus oryx). Meat Science, 186:108183.
Needham T, Laubser J, Kotrba R, Bureš D, Hoffman L (2020). Influence of ageing on the physical qualities of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum and biceps femoris muscles from male and female free-ranging common eland (Taurotragus oryx). Meat Science, 159:107922.
Needham T, Engels RA, Bureš D, Kotrba R, van Rensburg BJ, Hoffman LC (2020). Carcass Yields and Physiochemical Meat Quality of Semi-extensive and Intensively Farmed Impala (Aepyceros melampus). Foods, 9:418.
Needham T, Engels RA, Hoffman LC (2020). Physical Changes during Post-Mortem Ageing of High-Value Impala (Aepyceros Melampus) Steaks. Applied Sciences, 10:4485.
Needham T, van Zyl K, Hoffman LC (2020). Correlations between PORCUS classification and androstenone in boars, and effects of cooking methods thereon. South African Journal of Animal Science, 50:120-128.
Needham T, Gous RM, Lambrechts H, Pieterse E, Hoffman LC (2020). Combined effect of dietary protein, ractopamine, and immunocastration on boar taint compounds, and using testicle parameters as an indicator of success. Foods, 9:1665.
Ny V, Kotrba R, Cappelli J, Bureš D, Clar MA, García AJ, Landete-Castillejos T, Bartoň L, Ceacero F (2020). Effects of Lysine and Methionine supplementation on first antler growth in fallow deer (Dama dama). Small Ruminant Research, 187:106119.
Šandlová K, Komarková M, Ceacero F (2020). Daddy, daddy cool: stallion-foal relationships in a socially-natural herd of Exmoor ponies. Animal Cognition, 23:781-793.

2019

Ceacero F (2019). Multiple physiological constraints affect the antler growth, morphology and evolution. Journal of Morphology, S71-S72.
Ceacero F, Komárková M, García AJ, Gallego L (2019). Different maternal investment strategies for male and female calves in a polygynous mammal. Current Zoology, 65:269-277.
Ceacero F, Villagrán M, Gambín-Pozo P, García AJ, Cappelli J, Ungerfeld R (2019). Better antlers when surrounded by females? The social context influence mineralization in pampas deer (Ozotozeros bezoarticus). Ethology, Ecology and Evolution, 31:358-368.
Černý J, Buyannemekh B, Needham T, Gankhuyag G, Oyuntsetseg D (2019). Hard ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Mongolia—A review. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, 10:101268.
Fitzhenry LB, Cawthorn DM, Muchenje V, Bures D, Kotrba R, Hoffman LC (2019). Carcass composition and yields of wild fallow deer (Dama dama) in South Africa. African Journal of Wildlife Research, 49:100–110.
Kolbábek P, Maxová P, Kouřimská L, Lukešová D, Kotrba R (2019). Sensory evaluation of liver/meat pâtés made from fresh or frozen eland meat and beef. Scientia Agriculturae Bohemica, 50:71-79.
Kudrnáčová E, Bureš D, Bartoň L, Kotrba R, Ceacero F, Hoffman L, Kouřimská L (2019). The effect of barley and Lysine supplementation of pasture-based diet on growth, carcass composition and physical quality attributes of meat from farmed fallow deer (Dama dama). Animals, 9:33.
Needham T, Lambrechts H, Hoffman LC (2019). Extending the interval between second vaccination and slaughter: I. Effects on growth, scrotal size and stress response of immunocastrated ram lambs. Animal, 13:1952-1961.
Needham T, Lambrechts H, Hoffman LC (2019). Extension of the interval between second vaccination and slaughter: II. Changes in the reproductive capacity of immunocastrated ram lambs. Animal, 13:1962-1971.
Needham T, Lambrechts H, Hoffman LC (2019). Influence of immunocastration vaccine administration on serum androgen concentration and testis activity in ram lambs. Small Ruminants Research, 170:82-90.
Needham T, Laubser JG, Kotrba R, Bureš D, Hoffman LC (2019). Sex influence on muscle yield and physiochemical characteristics of common eland (Taurotragus oryx) meat. Meat Science, 152:41-48.
Needham T, Laubser J, Kotrba R, Bureš D, Smyth H, Hoffman L (2019). Sensory characteristics of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum and biceps femoris muscles from male and female common eland (Taurotragus oryx). Meat Science, 158:107918.
Pebriansyah A, Lukešová D, Knížková I, Silberová P, Kunc P (2019). The effect of natural phytoadditive Silybum marianum on performance in broiler rabbits. Scientia Agriculturae Bohemica, 50:40-45.
Pluháček J, Ceacero F, Garguláková A, Kubičková S, Komárková M, King SRB, Moehlman P, Schoenecker K, Šimek J, Brandlová K, Gloneková M (Eds.) (2019). 2nd International Wild Equid Conference. Book of Abstracts. Czech University of Life Sciences Prague. 215 pp.
Ros-Santaella JL, Kotrba R, Pintus E (2019). High-energy diet enhances spermatogenic function and increases sperm midpiece length in fallow deer (Dama dama) yearlings. Royal Society Open Science, 6:181972.
Zelenka L Knížková I, Lukešová D, Kunc P (2019) Study on the Effects of Sex and Age on Proximal Femoral Fractures in Two Culturally Diverse Countries. Acta Chirurgiae Orthopaedicae et Traumatologiae Cechoslovaca, 86:330-333.

2018

Bordes CNM, Ceacero F, Kotrba R (2018). Cues and mechanisms for lateral exposure preference in the common eland (Taurotragus oryx). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 72:120.
Cappelli J, García AJ, Kotrba R, Gambin P, Landete-Castillejos T, Gallego L, Ceacero F (2018). Internal bone in Common eland's horn: composition and mechanical properties of an spiral fighting structure. Journal of Anatomy, 232:72-79.
Cawthorn DM, Fitzhenry LB, Muchenje V, Bureš D, Kotrba R, Hoffman LC (2018). Physical quality attributes of male and female wild fallow deer (Dama dama) muscles. Meat Science, 137:168-175.
Ceacero F, Gaspar-López E, García AJ, Landete-Castillejos T, Gallego L (2018). Social rank affects the hematological profile in red deer hinds. Veterinary Record, 182:436.
Kubátová A, Fedorova T (2018). Urinalysis of pregnant and non-pregnant alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus). Journal of Camel Practice and Research, 25:303-306.
Needham T, Lambrechts H, Hoffman LC (2018). Application of immunocastration in a commercial Dohne Merino ram flock before weaning: a technical note. South African Journal of Animal Science, 48:1115-1120.
Pavlik A, Slama P, Bures D, Kotrba R (2018). Effect of feeding on growth and blood biochemistry of male fallow deer. Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Food Sciences, 8:911-913.
Zelenka L, Alt J, Knížková I, Kunc P, Lukešová D (2018). Epidemiological study of the influence of gender, age, mobility and accident time on fractures of the proximal femur. Acta Chirurgiae Orthopaedicae et Traumatologiae Cechoslovaca, 85:40-45.

Cooperation/Networking

Since the creation of the team, we have co-authored scientific publications with the following countries and institutions:

Australia (University of Queensland)
Botswana (Botswana International University of Sciences and Technology)
China (Inner Mongolia University)
Czech Republic (Charles University, Institute of Animal Science, Mendel University in Brno, University of South Bohemia, Military University Hospital, Food Research Institute Prague, Crop Research Institute, Global Change Research Institute, Institute of Botany, Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental Gardening, Association of Private Farming of the Czech Republic, Institute of Ethnology, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague ZOO, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Liberec ZOO, Institute of Parasitology)
Ecuador (Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja)
France (School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Université Grenoble Alpes)
Mongolia (National University of Mongolia, Mongolian Academy of Sciences; Great Gobi B SPA)
Norway (Arctic University of Norway)
Philippines (Mindanao State University)
Poland (Lublin University of Life Sciences)
Portugal (University of Porto, University of Aveiro)
Republic of Congo (African Parks)
South Africa (Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Fort Hare, University of Mpumalanga)
Spain (University of Castilla-La Mancha, University of Jaén, Wildlife Research Institute, University of Zaragoza)
Switzerland (University of Lausanne, Lausanne Musée Cantonal de Zoologie)
Uruguay (Universidad de la República)
UK (Centre for Ecology and Hydrology)

Contact

Team mail: apbteam@outlook.com
Team coordinator: doc. Francisco Ceacero Herrador Ph.D.; ceacero@ftz.czu.cz; +420 22438 3457

Team news

27.4.2021

Dr. Francisco Ceacero from FTA became a guest editor in journal Symmetry

Dear colleagues, It is my pleasure to invite you for contributions to a new special issue of the journal Symmetry (JIF=2.645, Q2 in Multidisciplinary Sciences) with the topic “Fluctuating Asymmetry in Ungulates”, for which I will be guest editor together with Dr. Roberta Chirichella from the University of Sassari, Italy.

7.7.2020

Daddy, daddy cool – new research on stallion-foal relationships in Exmoor ponies.

Paternal behaviour of stallions was revealed in the study of our team members in collaboration with colleagues from the University of South Bohemia, which was recently published in the prestigious journal Animal Cognition.

19.6.2020

Field work on Aruba

In 2018 researchers Prof. Daniela Lukešová and Dr. Jiří Černý from Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (CZU Prague), initiated field work on Aruba in the Caribbean Sea, focusing their study area to the surrounding districts of Oranjestad