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Yoshida T, Shimokawa Y, Ohta M, Takayanagi M, Kusuda S. Reproductive Seasonality, Estrous Cycle, Pregnancy, and the Recurrence of Postpartum Estrus Based on Long-Term Profiles of Fecal Sex Steroid Hormone Metabolites regarding Zoo-Housed Female Golden Takins ( Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:571. [PMID: 38396539 PMCID: PMC10886194 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040571] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the non-invasive monitoring of the endocrine ovarian activities of captive female golden takins (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) based on long-term fecal sex steroid hormone metabolite dynamics. Fecal progesterone (P4) metabolite dynamics were monitored in nine females for 0.5-15 years between 2004 and 2022. Fecal estradiol-17β (E2) and estrone (E1) metabolites were measured during certain estrous cycles, and fecal E1 metabolite concentrations were measured during all gestation periods. The breeding season of the captive animals was mainly between May and December, and they were polyestrous animals whose breeding season begins during the long-day period. The onset of the breeding season occurred slightly earlier as age increased. The mean age (±SD) at puberty based on fecal P4 metabolite dynamics was 4.1 ± 2.9 years. The first conception ages ranged from 2.3-10.2 years. The mean estrous cycle period (±SEM) was 25.4 ± 1.1 days, and mounting and mating occurred in periods of low fecal P4 metabolite levels during the breeding season. The mean gestation period (±SD) from the estimated mating date to the calving date was 253.9 ± 5.7 days, and the fecal P4 metabolite distribution during pregnancy was bimodal. Fecal estrone metabolite levels gradually increased 21 weeks before delivery, peaked during the week of delivery, and then markedly decreased in the first week after delivery. Estrus resumed in the first April-August period after delivery (mean ± SD; 103.5 ± 40.9 days) or in May of the year after delivery (421.0 ± 16.5 days). This study revealed that the estrous cycle and pregnancy of female golden takins can be determined by fecal progesterone metabolite dynamics and that fecal estrone metabolite dynamics increases toward parturition and are useful for predicting the date of delivery. This endocrinological information is important for planned breeding efforts for the golden takins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Yoshida
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan;
| | - Yuki Shimokawa
- Wildlife Conservation Center, Tokyo Zoological Park Society, Hodokubo, Hino, Tokyo 191-0042, Japan
| | - Makoto Ohta
- Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA, Yokohama Greenery Foundation, Kamishirane-cho, Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-0001, Japan
| | - Mayo Takayanagi
- Wildlife Conservation Center, Tokyo Zoological Park Society, Hodokubo, Hino, Tokyo 191-0042, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kusuda
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan;
- Zoo Biology Research Center, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
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Hrabina P, Pernerová L, Suchomel J, Robovský J. Utility of cytochrome c oxidase I for the deciphering of unstable phylogeny and taxonomy of gorals, genus Nemorhaedus Hamilton Smith, 1827 (Bovidae, Ovibovina). Zookeys 2023; 1181:81-110. [PMID: 38313159 PMCID: PMC10838175 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1181.108019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Gorals represent ungulate mammals of the Palearctic and Indo-Malayan realms that face habitat destruction and intense hunting pressure. Their classification has been the subject of various (mainly genetic) assessments in the last decade, but some results are conflicting, hampering some conservation-based decisions. Genetic sampling of gorals has increased considerably in recent years, at least for mitochondrial (mt) DNA. Results based on two mt genes (cytochrome b and the D-loop) are currently available. Still, the utility of cytochrome oxidase subunit I remains unanalysed, even though it belongs among the gene markers that enable a correct species identification in mammals. This study examines phylogenetic relationships and species delimitation in gorals using all currently available cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences, including the not yet analysed goral population from Pakistan. Our results of various phylogenetic approaches, such as maximum parsimony, likelihood and Bayesian inference, and exploration of species boundaries via species delimitation support the validity of six species of goral, namely N.baileyi, N.caudatus, N.cranbrooki, N.evansi, N.goral, and N.griseus. This result accords well with results based on other mt genes, especially the cytochrome b from the highly exhaustive data sampling. Our study also summarises common sources of errors in the assessment of goral phylogeny and taxonomy and highlights future priorities in understanding goral diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Hrabina
- Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and Apiculture, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic Mendel University in Brno Brno Czech Republic
| | - Ludmila Pernerová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic University of South Bohemia České Budějovice Czech Republic
| | - Josef Suchomel
- Department of Zoology, Fisheries, Hydrobiology and Apiculture, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1, Brno, 61300, Czech Republic Mendel University in Brno Brno Czech Republic
| | - Jan Robovský
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic University of South Bohemia České Budějovice Czech Republic
- Liberec Zoo, Lidové sady 425/1, Liberec, 46001, Czech Republic Liberec Zoo Liberec Czech Republic
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Kamgang VW, Bennett NC, van der Goot AC, Ganswindt A. Endocrine correlates of female reproductive activity in the roan antelope (
Hippotragus equinus
). J Zool (1987) 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.13031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V. W. Kamgang
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute University of Pretoria Hatfield South Africa
| | - N. C. Bennett
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute University of Pretoria Hatfield South Africa
| | | | - A. Ganswindt
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Mammal Research Institute University of Pretoria Hatfield South Africa
- Endocrine Research Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences University of Pretoria Hatfield South Africa
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Jenikejew J, Wauters J, Dehnhard M, Scheumann M. Linking socio-sexual and vocal behaviour with faecal progesterone and oestrogen metabolite levels in Southern white rhinoceros females. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab098. [PMID: 34987828 PMCID: PMC8715736 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone and oestrogen are the main gonadal steroid hormones that regulate the ovarian activity and induce the fertile oestrus period in females. The monitoring of this receptive phase is particularly decisive for captive breeding and is commonly based on the observation of female behavioural patterns that coincide with their hormonal oestrus. However, in the white rhinoceros (WR), a species that is well known for its impaired reproductive rate in captivity, the female behavioural and vocal indicators of receptivity have not been systematically investigated or linked to their hormonal states so far. In order to close this gap, we combined behavioural and acoustic recordings, conducted over an average period of 32 days, with the analysis of faecal progesterone and oestrogen metabolite concentrations (fPM and fEM) in 27 adult Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum; SWR) females from 10 European zoos. For eight of the study females, we were able to detect a receptive period indicated by their acceptance of sexual behaviour from the bulls. The comparison of behaviour and vocalization between receptive and non-receptive periods in these females demonstrated that particularly presenting and marking behaviour distinctly peaked during the receptive period, indicating the significance of olfactory signalling for female reproductive behaviour. Based on the analysis of fPM profiles, we were able to identify different reproductive states (cycling, non-cycling, pregnant) in 21 of 27 study females. In contrast, fEM profiles proved to be unsuitable for the detection of ovarian activity. For the majority (five of six females for which behavioural receptivity and endocrine cyclicity were determined), a coincidence of their receptive period and the hormonal oestrus, indicated by a nadir in fPM levels, could be detected. Conclusively, this study revealed a comprehensive behavioural repertoire that reflects the hormonal oestrus in SWR females and can therefore be reliably used for non-invasive ex situ reproduction monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Jenikejew
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jella Wauters
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Dehnhard
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marina Scheumann
- Institute of Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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Srivastava T, Kumar A, Kumar V, Umapathy G. Diet Drives Differences in Reproductive Synchrony in Two Sympatric Mountain Ungulates in the Himalaya. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.647465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ungulates in higher latitudes and altitudes experience sharp seasonal changes in forage abundance and quality. In response, ungulates show varying degrees of synchrony in reproduction. Diet type has been hypothesized to be a determinant of differences in reproductive synchrony. Analyses at global scales using proxies of plant phenology such as climate, latitude and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) have found no evidence in support because such proxies do not capture differences in phenology among plant taxa at local scales. We compared seasonal variations in diet quality with reproductive synchrony in the Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), a browser, and the Himalayan goral (Naemorhedus goral), a grazer, in mid-altitude Himalaya. We also compared seasonal variations in physiological stress using fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM). We identified different stages of female reproductive cycle using fecal concentrations of metabolites of estradiol, pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG) and testosterone and used fecal crude protein (CP) as an indicator of diet quality. In musk deer, fecal estradiol and PdG concentrations showed a dispersed estrous and parturition, respectively. Goral had a more synchronized estrous and parturition. Estrous cycles in both species occurred when diet quality was poor, but parturition occurred when diet quality was high. Greater seasonality in reproduction in goral is driven by sharp phenological changes in graminoids on which it feeds, compared to slow changes in browse on which musk deer feeds. Thus, we show that diet type drives the differences in reproductive synchrony in these two sympatric species. Spring and summer with highest diet quality were times of highest stress in both the ungulates. We hypothesize predation pressure from feral dogs and resource competition with livestock as plausible explanations for this, which need to be tested in future. Our findings also highlight the need for studying relationships among plant phenology, diet type and reproductive biology of ungulates at local scales if we are to understand species responses to global phenomena such as climate change.
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Wang Y, Hu X, Liu G, Hu D, Liu D. Influence of Solvents on Steroid Extraction from Animal Feces and Quantification Using Enzyme Immunoassay. WILDLIFE SOC B 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Environment of National Forestry and Grassland Administration Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry No. 2 Dongxiaofu, Haidian District Beijing 100091 China
| | - Xiaolong Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology Jiangxi Agricultural University Nanchang 330045 China
| | - Gang Liu
- Wetland Research Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Wetland Services and Restoration Chinese Academy of Forestry Xiangshan Road, Haidian District Beijing 100091 China
| | - Defu Hu
- Laboratory of Non‐invasive Research Technology for Endangered Species, College of Nature Conservation Beijing Forestry University No. 35 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District Beijing 100083 China
| | - Dongping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Ecology and Environment of National Forestry and Grassland Administration Research Institute of Forest Ecology, Environment and Protection, Chinese Academy of Forestry No. 2 Dongxiaofu, Haidian District Beijing 100091 China
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Sontakke SD. Monitoring and controlling ovarian activities in wild ungulates. Theriogenology 2018; 109:31-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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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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Determination of ovarian cyclicity and pregnancy using fecal progesterone in forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii). Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 170:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Non-invasive assessment of fecal progestagens and pregnancy detection in Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster). Theriogenology 2015; 85:216-23. [PMID: 26454526 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), an endangered species, is facing threat of extinction globally due to severe hunting for its musk, and efforts are under way in India to breed them in captivity. However, no information is available on the reproductive cycles of the species. In this study, we aimed to standardize an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) procedure for monitoring pregnancy using fecal samples. We collected fecal samples for 12 months from five captive females maintained at the Musk Deer Research Centre, Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, India. Three of these females were observed mating and gave birth, whereas two were seen mating but did not give birth. The gestation periods for the three females were 183, 185, and 199 days, respectively. High-pressure liquid chromatography revealed the presence of immunoreactive pregnanediol-3-glucuronide (PdG), progesterone, and 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (5-alpha-pregnane) metabolites in the fecal samples. We used EIAs against progesterone, PdG, and 5-alpha-pregnane to monitor pregnancy. We found PdG EIA to be a highly accurate and sensitive assay compared with the other two assays in detecting pregnancy. We conclude that PdG EIA can be used to diagnose and monitor pregnancy in Himalayan musk deer using fecal steroid analysis, at an early stage of 3 months after mating. This study would help in conservation breeding of musk deer in captivity and in monitoring the reproductive status of the species in the wild.
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