The Laboratory of Animal Science focuses on the study of biological materials using simple and economically feasible techniques, focusing on their applicability in tropical regions of the developing world. Primary research activities within the laboratory include the monitoring of blood biochemical parameters, coprology, basic sperm evaluation, and chemical composition and mineral analyses of feedstuffs and faeces for digestibility studies. The Laboratory of Animal Science consists of four units, including a Sample Preparation Laboratory for the raw processing of biological materials, the Physiology Laboratory focusing on microscope evaluation of tissue samples and coprological examinations, the Biochemical Laboratory focusing on blood biochemical assessment of various animal species, and the animal Behavioural Studies Laboratory, equipped with behavioural evaluation software and projection of behavioural video recordings for assessment by group panels. The Laboratory of Animal Science also maintains a collection of equipment for fieldwork studies, including cameras and video cameras with different lenses, binoculars and telescopes, fibroscope, night vision monoculars, camera-traps, equipment for audio recording and monitoring of wildlife, bat detector, GPS, rangefinders, materials for trapping and handling amphibians and reptiles (nets, hooks, tongs, gloves and sexing kits) and small mammals (Sherman traps), weather dataloggers, spectrometer for soil samples, and other basic tools and equipment for fieldwork like torches, callipers, dynamometers, battery chargers, hard drives, pocket PC and iPads for data collection, power banks, tripods, walkie-talkies, compasses, manual blood centrifuge, ground thermometers, anti-mosquito nets, and a field projector.
Team
Research Activities
- Haematology, blood biochemistry, blood and faecal hormonal profiles
- Parasitological monitoring of livestock and wild species
- Feeding ecology and digestive efficiency of ungulates
- Development and quality of horns and antlers
- Social structures, communication, and suckling behaviour of wild and captive animals
- Physiochemical meat quality of game animal species
Publications
Please find our complete publication list here.
Recent publications (2021):
- Bernátková A, Pařiková A, Cisneros R, Čupić S, Ceacero F (in press). Ecological effects on the nutritional value of bromeliads, and its influence on Andean bears´ diet selection. Ursus.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Equipment
Analytical:
- Foss NIRS DS2500 (Animal Feed Analyser)
- Idexx VetTest 8008 (Blood Biochemistry)
- Vanta ED-FXR Spectrometer (Mineral Analyzer)
- SpectraMax Plus 384 Plate Reader
- Nikon Optical Microscopes (x4)
- Testo 205 pH Meter
- Testo 826-T4 Thermometer
Sample preparation and storage:
- Memmert UF450 Oven Dryer
- Gregor L10-55 PRO Lyophilizer
- IKA MF-10basic Feed Grinder
- LaboPol-35 Polishing Machine
- Biological Thermostat BT120 Incubators (x3)
- Biosan ES-20/60 Orbital Shaker Incubator
- FoodSaver v1040i Vacuum Sealer
- Memmert WNB 7 45 Waterbath
- Elmasonic S30H Ultrasonic Waterbath
- Rotofix 32 Centrifuge
- R17-2387 Eppendorf Centrifuge
- Finnpipette GLP Kit4 Pipettes
- Heidolf ReaxTop Vortex
- Phoenix RSM-05H Magnetic Stirrer
- Unimed LB-301.2 1x30W Germicidal Lamp
- Tuttnauer 2840 ELV-D Autoclave
- 2-4°C fridge
- -20°C freezers (x3)
Animal data collection equipment:
- Gallagher HR5 v2 Tag Reader
- Gallagher TW-3
- Gallagher2000 Loadbars
- Electroejaculator with 3 probe sizes
- Portable Field Microscope
- Manual Hand-held Centrifuge
Cooperating Institutions
Czech Republic:
- Charles University
- Institute of Animal Science Prague
- Mendel University in Brno
- University of South Bohemia
- Military University Hospital
- Food Research Institute Prague
- Crop Research Institute
- Global Change Research Institute
South Africa:
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Mpumalanga
- University of Fort Hare
Spain:
- University of Castilla-La Mancha
- University of Jaén
- Wildlife Research Institute
Mongolia:
- National University of Mongolia
- Mongolian Academy of Sciences
Portugal:
- University of Porto
- University of Aveiro
Australia: University of Queensland
China: Inner Mongolia University
Ecuador: Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja
France: School of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Philippines: Mindanao State University
Uruguay: Universidad de la República
Contact
For services, renting of equipment, and research co-operation related to the activities of the Laboratory of Animal Science, please contact doc. Tersia Needham, Ph.D. at needham@ftz.czu.cz or +420 22438 2458.