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Dutton-Regester KJ, Roser A, Meer H, Russell FA, Pyne M, Renfree MB, Johnston SD, Keeley T. Investigating the utility of using fecal hormone metabolites as a reproductive management tool for captive short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114142. [PMID: 36243057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study demonstrates the utility of the analysis of fecal hormone metabolites as a reproductive management tool for captive short-beaked echidnas. Over three breeding seasons daily fecal samples were collected from female echidnas (n = 8) that were monitored continuously by video surveillance to confirm key reproductive events. Fecal progesterone metabolite concentrations were elevated above baseline values (448.0 ± 156.3 ng/g) during pregnancy and the luteal phase. However, compared to plasma progesterone the rise in fecal progesterone metabolite concentrations after copulation was delayed (3.3 ± 0.4 versus 8.3 ± 0.6 days, respectively), such that pregnancy was more reliably detected in its latter half when using fecal samples. Mating and oviposition were observed for 14 of the 19 pregnancies resulting in an estimated gestation of 16.7 ± 0.2 days (range 16.0-18.1 d). The estrogen enzyme-immunoassays tested (n = 3) in this study were not suitable for the fecal samples of the echidna. Fecal progesterone metabolites are an effective tool for confirming the timing and occurrence of estrous cycles in captive echidna colonies and can assist zookeepers in identifying possible causes of sub-optimal reproductive success without the unnecessary stress of repeated capture and anaesthesia for blood collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Dutton-Regester
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia.
| | - Alice Roser
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Queensland 4223, Australia
| | - Haley Meer
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Queensland 4223, Australia
| | - Freya A Russell
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - Michael Pyne
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Queensland 4223, Australia
| | - Marilyn B Renfree
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - Tamara Keeley
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
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2
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Yoshida K, Line J, Griffith K, Wooldredge A, Cruz YP. Progesterone signaling during pregnancy in the lab opossum, Monodelphis domestica. Theriogenology 2019; 136:101-110. [PMID: 31254723 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
To investigate subtle pregnancy-associated changes in the lab opossum, Monodelphis domestica, an induced ovulator, we compared pregnant with non-pregnant and pseudopregnant animals with regard to serum P4 levels and progesterone receptor (PR) expression. Using video-verified, time-mated lab opossums as sources of biological material, we compared ovaries, uteri and sera obtained on odd-numbered days of the 14.5-day pregnancy in this animal. Females that mated successfully but did not produce embryos were classified as pseudopregnant. P4 levels differed significantly between pregnant (N = 21) and either non-pregnant (N = 3) or pseudopregnant (N = 3) opossums, but not between the non-pregnant and pseudopregnant groups. A significant decline in serum P4 occurred between pregnancy days 3 and 5, coinciding with an elevated probability of pregnancy failure between days 5 and 9. PR was detected in the nuclei of uterine-gland epithelial cells on pregnancy days 5 and 7 as well as variably in the corpora lutea (CL) of animals on pregnancy days 3-11. PR expression in the CL suggests that P4 may be autostimulatory in lab opossums and that certain levels of this steroid are required during normal pregnancy. The significant day-3 drop in P4 may explain why pregnancy failure in this polyovular metatherian is likeliest to occur between days 5 and 9, an interval during which the extended period of blastocyst morphogenesis and expansion occurs. Taken together, these results suggest that P4 may have unrecognized signaling roles not only in pregnancy but perhaps embryonic development as well in the lab opossum.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yoshida
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA
| | - J Line
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA
| | - K Griffith
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA
| | - A Wooldredge
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA
| | - Y P Cruz
- Department of Biology, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, 44071, USA.
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Du Z, Johnston SD, Janssen T, Phillips CJC, Lisle A, Keeley T. Behavioral and endocrine responses to season and social dynamics of captive male southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 261:40-50. [PMID: 29373814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although southern hairy-nosed wombats (SHN wombats; Lasiorhinus latifrons) rarely breed in captivity, further knowledge of their reproductive physiology and behavior is likely to improve their breeding potential. This study examined the effect of seasonal variation and changes in social dynamics on the physiology and behavior of a captive population of male SHN wombats (n = 6). Seasonal changes in urinary testosterone metabolites (UTM), urinary cortisol metabolites (UCM), qualitative estimates of spermatorrhoea (QS), aggressive behavior and reproductive behavior were measured over an 11-month period. While there was no effect of month on QS (GLM ANOVA, P = 0.27), reproductive behavior (GLM ANOVA, P = 0.19) or aggressive behavior (Tukey pairwise comparisons), the secretion of UTM (GLM ANOVA, P = 0.051) was only marginally affected by season, compared to that reported for wild male SHN wombats. Mean UCM concentrations of July and August 2016 were significantly higher than those between October 2015 and January 2016 (Tukey pairwise comparisons). To examine social dynamics, two trials of animal positioning exchange with the enclosure system were implemented and behavioral data were examined for each trial over a six week period; UTM, UCM and general behaviors (n = 27) were measured for each trial. Neither UTM nor UCM concentration varied significantly (P ≥ 0.45) before and after the exchanges. "Scratching" decreased at the group level following the animal exchange in both trials, suggesting reduction in self-grooming may be a behavioral response to novel stimuli. UCM and UTM concentrations were both positively correlated with "standing still" and "body rub" behaviors. This may be evidence of a hormonal control of a "freezing behavioral response" to external stimuli and marking behavior, respectively. As there was no evidence that changing the social dynamics affected reproductive or agonistic behavior or hormone concentrations, it was concluded that captive male wombats in this study showed reduced reproductive seasonality compared to wild wombats and that animal exchange resulted in a behavioral response to novel stimuli but was not sufficient to affect testosterone or cortisol secretion, within the context of our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Du
- Wildlife Biology Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia.
| | - S D Johnston
- Wildlife Biology Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
| | - T Janssen
- Australian Animal Care and Education, Mount Larcom 4695, Queensland, Australia
| | - C J C Phillips
- Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
| | - A Lisle
- Wildlife Biology Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
| | - T Keeley
- Wildlife Biology Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia
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Swinbourne AM, Phillips CJC, Janssen T, Lisle A, Keeley T, Johnston SD. Reproductive biology of captive female southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Part 2: oestrous behaviour. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:1424-1433. [PMID: 29742384 DOI: 10.1071/rd17539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor captive breeding success of southern hairy-nosed wombats (SHNWs; Lasiorhinus latifrons) has been attributed to the difficulty in accurately characterising oestrous behaviour and their relationship to circulating reproductive hormones. Over two wombat breeding seasons, the use of infrared cameras for 24-h remote behavioural monitoring and the analysis of urine samples collected from seven captive females, were investigated to determine the relationship between behaviour and changes in urinary progesterone metabolites (P4M). Urinary P4M was divided into two concentrations: (1) ≤ baseline P4M values and (2)>baseline P4M values and evaluated against urine volume (mL) and the duration (s) and frequency of 23 behaviours recorded for 8 days surrounding D0 of the luteal phase (D0: a sustained increase in P4M for three or more consecutive days). When P4M was ≤ baseline, the duration of urination and volume both decreased, whereas the duration and frequency of both pacing and rump bites by the female towards the male increased. These results suggest that there were detectable behavioural changes that can be mapped to the changes in the SHNW oestrous cycle, which may be used as behavioural indicators to identify the reproductive status of females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyce M Swinbourne
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Clive J C Phillips
- Centre of Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Science, Room 102, White House (Gatton), The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Tina Janssen
- Australian Animals Care and Education, PO Box 138, Mount Larcom, Qld 4695, Australia
| | - Allan Lisle
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Tamara Keeley
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
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Swinbourne AM, Johnston SD, Janssen T, Lisle A, Keeley T. Reproductive biology of captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Part 1: oestrous cycle characterisation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:1412-1423. [PMID: 29742383 DOI: 10.1071/rd17497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Southern hairy-nosed wombats (SHNWs: Lasiorhinus latifrons) do not breed well in captivity. To better understand their reproduction, daily urine samples were collected from nine captive females and analysed for volume (mL), specific gravity and a qualitative index of the number of epithelial cells, then stored at -20°C until samples could be analysed for progesterone metabolites (P4M). The mean oestrous cycle length was 35.1±2.4 days; however, individual cycle length ranged from 23 to 47 days. The mean luteal phase length was 20.8±1.3 days (range: 12 to 33 days). Urinary P4M was divided into four oestrous cycle stages: (1) early follicular phase, (2) late follicular phase, (3) early luteal phase, (4) late luteal phase, and analysed against urinary characteristics. During the late follicular phase, urine volume decreased (P=0.002) while urine specific gravity (P=0.001) and concentration of epithelial cells (P=0.004) both increased. The level of variability in oestrous cycle length suggests that some captive females may exhibit abnormal cycles; however, the changes in the urinary characteristics associated with the different stages of the oestrous cycle appear to offer a possible non-invasive means of monitoring the reproductive status of captive SHNWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyce M Swinbourne
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Tina Janssen
- Australian Animals Care and Education, PO Box 138, Mount Larcom, Qld 4695, Australia
| | - Alan Lisle
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
| | - Tamara Keeley
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, Ground Floor, Building 8117A, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld 4343, Australia
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Witt RR, Rodger JC. Recent advances in tools and technologies for monitoring and controlling ovarian activity in marsupials. Theriogenology 2017; 109:58-69. [PMID: 29254685 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Components of assisted reproduction technologies (ART), such as sperm cryopreservation, artificial insemination, superovulation and pouch young surrogacy, have been developed for a range of Australian and American marsupials. However, methods to effectively control ovarian function, arguably the key limiting factors in applying and integrating ART as a practical tool in conservation management, remain poorly developed. This is largely due to unique characteristics of the marsupial corpus luteum and its failure to respond to agents used to synchronize ovarian function in eutherian mammals. This paper presents an overview of relevant aspects of marsupial reproductive biology across marsupial taxonomic groups including information on the long-established technique of removal of suckling young to activate ovarian cycles. Ovarian monitoring tools for marsupials are reviewed and their usefulness for ART assessed (laparotomy, hormone cycling, vaginal cytology, laparoscopy and ultrasonography). We also discuss promising recent work examining the potential of manipulating hypothalamic-pituitary function using GnRH agonists and antagonists as the basis of ovarian control (female synchronization) strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan R Witt
- FAUNA Research Alliance, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - John C Rodger
- FAUNA Research Alliance, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
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Swinbourne AM, Johnston SD, Janssen TM, Lisle A, Keeley T. Validation of techniques to measure reproductive hormones in the urine of female southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 252:130-141. [PMID: 28826813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A M Swinbourne
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
| | - S D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - T M Janssen
- Australian Animals Care and Education, Mount Larcom, Queensland, Australia
| | - A Lisle
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - T Keeley
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
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Silva AR, Moreira N, Pereira AF, Peixoto GC, Maia KM, Campos LB, Borges AA. Estrus Cycle Monitoring in Wild Mammals: Challenges and Perspectives. Theriogenology 2017. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.69444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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9
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Swinbourne AM, Johnston SD, Janssen T, Lisle A, Keeley T, Phillips CJC. Olfactory behavioural responses in captive male southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) exposed to oestrous and non-oestrous urine samples. AUST J ZOOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/zo16088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Whilst flehmen behaviour has been observed in some marsupials, including the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons), it is unknown whether it, or other male-specific behaviours are exhibited differentially in response to the detection of oestrous females, which if proven, could assist in the detection of oestrus in breeding programs for captive southern hairy-nosed wombats. Six captive male southern hairy-nosed wombats were exposed to urine samples collected from a single female that was confirmed to be in oestrus and mid-pregnancy. Urine samples were presented to the males simultaneously and subsequent behaviours recorded for five minutes. There were no significant differences in the number of times flehmen behaviour was displayed in response to oestrous and non-oestrous urine samples (P = 0.577), the number of times the male sniffed each sample (P = 0.595), or the time spent investigating each urine sample (P = 0.414). Our results suggest that neither male flehmen behaviour nor any specific male-related precopulatory behaviour was associated with the olfaction of urine from a female in different stages of the oestrous cycle, and is thus unlikely to be a reliable management tool for the detection of oestrus.
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Swinbourne AM, Janssen T, Phillips CJC, Johnston SD. Non-invasive urine collection in the female southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) with the aid of classical conditioning. Zoo Biol 2014; 34:89-93. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alyce M. Swinbourne
- Wildlife Science Unit; School of Agriculture and Food Science; The University of Queensland; Gatton Queensland 4343 Australia
- Centre of Animal Welfare and Ethics; School of Veterinary Science; The University of Queensland; Gatton Queensland 4343 Australia
| | - Tina Janssen
- Australian Animals Care and Education; Mt Larcom Queensland 4695 Australia
| | - Clive J. C. Phillips
- Centre of Animal Welfare and Ethics; School of Veterinary Science; The University of Queensland; Gatton Queensland 4343 Australia
| | - Stephen D. Johnston
- Wildlife Science Unit; School of Agriculture and Food Science; The University of Queensland; Gatton Queensland 4343 Australia
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Hogan LA, Janssen T, Johnston SD. Wombat reproduction (Marsupialia; Vombatidae): an update and future directions for the development of artificial breeding technology. Reproduction 2013; 145:R157-73. [PMID: 23481264 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This review provides an update on what is currently known about wombat reproductive biology and reports on attempts made to manipulate and/or enhance wombat reproduction as part of the development of artificial reproductive technology (ART) in this taxon. Over the last decade, the logistical difficulties associated with monitoring a nocturnal and semi-fossorial species have largely been overcome, enabling new features of wombat physiology and behaviour to be elucidated. Despite this progress, captive propagation rates are still poor and there are areas of wombat reproductive biology that still require attention, e.g. further characterisation of the oestrous cycle and oestrus. Numerous advances in the use of ART have also been recently developed in the Vombatidae but despite this research, practical methods of manipulating wombat reproduction for the purposes of obtaining research material or for artificial breeding are not yet available. Improvement of the propagation, genetic diversity and management of wombat populations requires a thorough understanding of Vombatidae reproduction. While semen collection and cryopreservation in wombats is fairly straightforward there is currently an inability to detect, induce or synchronise oestrus/ovulation and this is an impeding progress in the development of artificial insemination in this taxon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Hogan
- Wildlife Biology Unit, Faculty of Science, School of Agricultural and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Queensland, Australia.
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12
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Hogan L, Lisle A, Valentine L, Johnston S, Robertson H. Non-invasive monitoring of male and female numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus: Myrmecobiidae) reproductive activity. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 133:237-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Descovich KA, Lisle AT, Johnston S, Nicolson V, Phillips CJ. Differential responses of captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) to the presence of faeces from different species and male and female conspecifics. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2012.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Descovich KA, Lisle AT, Johnston S, Keeley T, Phillips CJC. Intrasample variation and the effect of storage delay on faecal metabolite concentrations in the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons). AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1071/am11047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Faecal hormone metabolite analysis offers a non-invasive alternative to blood sampling that is particularly relevant to wild animal populations. It has been used for reproductive and adrenal hormone monitoring in captive wombats, but no information exists on its accuracy when sample storage is delayed or on whether variation exists within samples. This study aimed to quantify the effect of storage delay and intrasample variation on faecal metabolite concentrations of testosterone, progesterone and corticosterone in southern hairy-nosed wombats. For all metabolites, intrasample variance was 15% or less of total variance. Delays in storage significantly changed metabolite concentrations, with progesterone showing a progressive decrease over time (0–72 h: t24 = 2.14, P = 0.05), testosterone showing a significant increase after 6-h delay (0–6 h: t21 = 2.83, P = 0.01), and corticosterone showing an initial increase (0–6 h: t48 = 3.60, P = 0.001), followed by a reduction to original concentrations by 72 h (0–72 h: t48 = 0.91, P = 0.38). Although changes caused by storage delays may not obscure large hormonal fluctuations, this study outlines the importance of immediate storage and consistent sampling to allow the most accurate results to be obtained.
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Hogan LA, Johnston SD, Lisle AT, Horsup AB, Janssen T, Phillips CJC. The effect of environmental variables on the activity patterns of the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) in captivity: onset, duration and cessation of activity. AUST J ZOOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1071/zo11006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The influence of scotoperiod, ambient temperature and humidity on the activity of captive wombats was examined to differentiate environmental influence from that pertaining to food availability. The activity of 12 wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) housed at Rockhampton Zoo was remotely monitored by digital video-surveillance for one year, with environmental variables simultaneously recorded via dataloggers. Mean proportion of total daily time spent active was 18.2 ± 1.8%. Mean daily time spent active varied seasonally according to changes in temperature and humidity. Mean daily activity was greater during winter (301 ± 17 min) and spring (295 ± 16 min), than summer (234 ± 16 min) and autumn (238 ± 15 min) with differences due to a decrease in the number and length of activity bouts in summer and autumn; presumably these results reflect a need to maintain heat balance associated with exposure to elevated temperatures. Activity was positively correlated with temperature during winter (r = 0.60) and spring (r = 0.52) but negatively correlated during summer (r = –0.58) and autumn (r = –0.49), suggesting the existence of a thermoneutral zone where activity is maximised. We conclude that activity in captive wombats is influenced by environmental variables.
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Bradshaw FJ, Bradshaw D. Progesterone and reproduction in marsupials: a review. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 170:18-40. [PMID: 20688062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Revised: 07/25/2010] [Accepted: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone (P4) profiles throughout pregnancy and the oestrous cycle are reviewed in a wide range of marsupial species, representing 12 Families, and focus on the corpus luteum (CL) and its functioning, compared with its eutherian counterpart. Physiologically, P4 subtends the same fundamental processes supporting gestation in marsupials as it does in eutherian mammals, from its role in stimulating the secretory endometrium, effecting nutritional transfer across the placenta and establishing lactogenesis. Before the formation of the CL, however, secretion of P4 is widespread throughout many Families and the dual roles of P4 in the induction of sexual behaviour and ovulation are exposed. In Dasyuridae, raised levels of P4 are linked with the induction of sexual receptivity and are also present around the time of mating in Burramyidae, Petauridae and Tarsipedidae, but their function is unknown. Only in Didelphidae has research established that the pheromonally-induced levels of pro-oestrous P4 trigger ovulation. This is principally the role of oestradiol in the eutherian and may be an important difference between the marsupial and the eutherian. The deposition of the shell coat around the early marsupial embryo is also a function of P4, but perhaps the most striking difference is seen in the time taken to form the CL. This is not always immediate and the maximum secretion of P4 from the granulosa cells may not occur until some 2 weeks after ovulation. The slower development of the CL in some species is linked with delays in the development of the embryo during its unattached phase and results in relatively long gestation periods. A common feature of these, in monovular species, is a short pulse of P4 from the newly-luteinised CL, which is all that is needed for the subsequent development of the embryo to term. Maternal recognition of pregnancy occurs soon after the formation of the blastocyst, with embryo-induced changes in ovarian production of P4 and the uterine endometrium. The embryo, similar to the eutherian, determines the length of the gestation period and initiates its own birth, but in direct contrast, the embryo of some marsupial species shortens the life-span of the CL. The evidence points to a different strategy; one of a reduction, rather than an expansion of the potential ovarian and placental support available during pregnancy. The marsupial mode of reproduction, where all species produce highly altricial young, receiving complex and extensive maternal care, has facilitated the adaptive radiation of this group and avoided the need for precociality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity J Bradshaw
- School of Animal Biology M092, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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Hogan L, Phillips C, Lisle A, Horsup A, Janssen T, Johnston S. Reproductive behaviour of the southern-hairy nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons). AUST J ZOOL 2010. [DOI: 10.1071/zo10068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) is under threat as its current distribution range and population size is declining. The low reproductive rates observed for this species, both in the wild and within captivity, are a cause for concern; as such this study was designed to provide a comprehensive account of reproductive behaviour in L. latifrons. The behaviour of four groups of captive animals (each 1♂ : 2♀) was remotely monitored for 14 months using a digital video-surveillance system. Using this technology, 13 distinctive reproductive-based behaviours were identified and recorded; each behaviour was allocated to one of two categories: courtship/guarding or mating. The courtship-to-mating ritual was made up of six consecutive phases: investigation, attraction, chase, restraint, coitus and recovery. In total, 423 courtship and 49 mating bouts were observed from five (2♂ : 3♀) wombats. Courtship behaviour was observed on 116 days, with a mean bout number of 3.6 ± 0.2 per day and a mean total daily time of 29.8 ± 1.8 min. Mating was observed on 24 days, with a mean bout number of 2.1 ± 0.3 per day and a mean total daily time of 100.1 ± 9.8 min. Courtship occurred over the entire enclosure area and three distinctive courtship locomotor patterns were identified: spiral-circles, straight-lines and random. Matings occurred only in closed spaces and were always accompanied by courtship behaviour. In contrast, only 68% of all courtship days were associated with a mating event. Receptivity in the female wombats lasted for 13 h and the behavioural signs of oestrus were so subtle that only the reaction/interest of the male could be used for its detection. The covert reproductive behaviours identified for female L. latifrons closely match those previously reported for captive common wombats and may relate to this species’ need to conserve energy.
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