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Liu Y, Dodge S, Simcharoen A, Ahearn SC, Smith JLD. Analyzing tiger interaction and home range shifts using a time-geographic approach. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2024; 12:13. [PMID: 38310255 PMCID: PMC10838465 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-024-00454-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interaction through movement can be used as a marker to understand and model interspecific and intraspecific species dynamics, and the collective behavior of animals sharing the same space. This research leverages the time-geography framework, commonly used in human movement research, to explore the dynamic patterns of interaction between Indochinese tigers (Panthera tigris corbeti) in the western forest complex (WEFCOM) in Thailand. METHODS We propose and assess ORTEGA, a time-geographic interaction analysis method, to trace spatio-temporal interactions patterns and home range shifts among tigers. Using unique GPS tracking data of tigers in WEFCOM collected over multiple years, concurrent and delayed interaction patterns of tigers are investigated. The outcomes are compared for intraspecific tiger interaction across different genders, relationships, and life stages. Additionally, the performance of ORTEGA is compared to a commonly used proximity-based approach. RESULTS Among the 67 tracked tigers, 42 show concurrent interactions at shared boundaries. Further investigation of five tigers with overlapping home ranges (two adult females, a male, and two young male tigers) suggests that the mother tiger and her two young mostly stay together before their dispersal but interact less post-dispersal. The male tiger increases encounters with the mother tiger while her young shift their home ranges. On another timeline, the neighbor female tiger mostly avoids the mother tiger. Through these home range dynamics and interaction patterns, we identify four types of interaction among these tigers: following, encounter, latency, and avoidance. Compared to the proximity-based approach, ORTEGA demonstrates better detects concurrent mother-young interactions during pre-dispersal, while the proximity-based approach misses many interactions among the dyads. With larger spatial buffers and temporal windows, the proximity-based approach detects more encounters but may overestimate the duration of interaction. CONCLUSIONS This research demonstrates the applicability and merits of ORTEGA as a time-geographic based approach to animal movement interaction analysis. We show time geography can develop valuable, data-driven insights about animal behavior and interactions. ORTEGA effectively traces frequent encounters and temporally delayed interactions between animals, without relying on specific spatial and temporal buffers. Future research should integrate contextual and behavioral information to better identify and characterize the nature of species interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Liu
- Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA.
| | - Somayeh Dodge
- Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
| | - Achara Simcharoen
- Protected Area Administration, Office 12, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
| | | | - James L D Smith
- Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, USA
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2
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Blank MH, Adania CH, Swanson WF, de Souza Ramos Angrimani D, Nichi M, Alcindo de Barros Vaz Guimarães M, Barnabe RC. Comparative fecal steroid profile during pregnancy, parturition, and lactation between natural fertilization and embryo transfer in ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). Theriogenology 2022; 182:26-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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3
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Guthrie A, Strike T, Patterson S, Walker C, Cowl V, Franklin AD, Powell DM. The past, present and future of hormonal contraceptive use in managed captive female tiger populations with a focus on the current use of deslorelin acetate. Zoo Biol 2021; 40:306-319. [PMID: 33724521 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Tigers (Panthera tigris spp.) are endangered in the wild; ensuring sustainable insurance populations requires careful planning within zoological collections. In captive situations, contraceptives are often used to control breeding and ensure genetically viable populations that contain manageable numbers of animals; reversible contraceptives are ideal because they offer flexibility for breeding management. Historically, synthetic progestins, such as melengestrol acetate implants, were used in female tigers, but these are associated with an increased risk of reproductive pathology and subsequent infertility. Recent management advice to ex-situ collections has been to transition to the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, such as deslorelin acetate implants, which do not appear to have a similar risk of reproductive pathology but are associated with highly variable reversal times in exotic felids. Using data from 917 contraceptive records in female tigers captured by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Reproductive Management Center and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Reproductive Management Group's joint Contraception Database and from supplementary surveys, this study reviews the changing use of contraceptives in captive female tigers. The aim was to describe the historical and current use of contraceptives and provide a comprehensive assessment on the use of deslorelin implants, including data on product protocols, efficacy, pathology, and reversibility. This study determined that current dose, frequency, reversibility, and anatomical placement sites of deslorelin implants are highly variable, indicating that specific, readily available, unified, evidence-based recommendations on the use of deslorelin would be useful for future contraceptive use in managed tiger populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Guthrie
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom
| | - Taina Strike
- Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London, United Kingdom.,The EAZA Reproductive Management Group, Chester Zoo, Chester, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Patterson
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Corinne Walker
- Veterinary Epidemiology, Economics and Public Health Group, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Veronica Cowl
- The North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Chester Zoo, Chester, United Kingdom.,The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), Artis Zoo, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,The EAZA Reproductive Management Group, Chester Zoo, Chester, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley D Franklin
- Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Reproductive Management Center, Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - David M Powell
- Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Reproductive Management Center, Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
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Piñeiro A, Hernández MC, Silván G, Illera JC, Barja I. Reproductive hormones monthly variation in free‐ranging European wildcats: Lack of association with faecal marking. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1784-1793. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Piñeiro
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria Universidad Andrés Bello, Republica 440 Santiago de Chile Chile
- Unidad Zoología Departamento de Biología Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Mª Carmen Hernández
- Unidad Zoología Departamento de Biología Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Gema Silván
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal) Facultad de Veterinaria Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Illera
- Departamento de Fisiología (Fisiología Animal) Facultad de Veterinaria Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Isabel Barja
- Unidad Zoología Departamento de Biología Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Madrid Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC‐UAM) Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Madrid Spain
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Braga DPDAF, Pizzutto CS, Rosenfield DA, Furtado PV, Oliveira CA, Corrêa SHR, Jorge-Neto PN, Guimarães MADBV. Suppression of ovarian activity in a captive African Lion Panthera leo after deslorelin treatment. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2020. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.5803.12.11.16469-16477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract: With the intent to evaluate the efficiency of a contraceptive treatment for cyclic ovarian suppression in African Lionesses Panthera leo using a Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonist bioimplant, noninvasive fecal steroid assay associated with the observation of the behavioral estrus were employed for a period of 36 months. Five captive adult females, maintained with a vasectomized male, subcutaneously received a 9.4mg deslorelin acetate implant. The treatment initially stimulated behavioral estrus along with ovarian activity, demonstrated by an estrogen increase in two lionesses. A rise in progesterone concentration in two other animals suggested possible treatment-induced ovulation. After the initial period, deslorelin prevented ovarian activity for at least 22 months. Two females exhibited signs of behavioral estrus after 22 and 31 months. A third lioness with an increased estrogen concentration did not exhibit behavioral estrus signs or a consequent progesterone surge until 33 months after implantation, suggesting a possible resumption of ovarian activity. One female did not exhibit any behavioral estrus signs nor a rise in steroid levels after the “treatment-induced” estrus throughout the entire experiment (36 months). One lioness died after 15 months without exhibiting signs of estrus or an increased progesterone level, however, the estrogen concentration increased 12 months post-implantation, suggesting resumed ovarian activity. The study showed that long-term treatment with a GnRH agonist can be extremely effective as a contraceptive treatment in African lionesses, however, the duration of contraception may vary among individuals and may bear the risk of permanent loss of normal ovarian activity.
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Viau P, Rodini DC, Sobral G, Martins GS, Morato RG, de Oliveira CA. Puberty and oestral cycle length in captive female jaguars Panthera onca. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa052. [PMID: 32577289 PMCID: PMC7296220 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Habitat loss and fragmentation have been leading jaguars to constant conflicts with humans, and as a result, jaguar populations have been declining over the last decades. Captive breeding is often a tool for species conservation, and it is not different for jaguars. However, success is far from optimal due to the lack of basic knowledge about species' reproductive biology. In the present study, we assessed gonadal hormonal profiles of natural oestral cycles and puberty and compared our data to those of other wild felids. We collected faecal samples from two to seven times per week for 18 months from two adults and three pre-pubertal females. We defined baseline levels for progestins and oestrogens in order to estimate oestrous cycle length and age at puberty. We compared our data with 16 other species through generalized linear model, using weight and genus as two explanatory variables. Cycle length was 38.28 ± 2.52 days, ranging from 25 to 44 days, while sexual maturity was attained within 22 months. Due to our analysis of both hormonal and behavioural data, there is a variation between this research from other studies that employed only behavioural observations. Such difference may be caused by the absence of behavioural oestrous at the peri-pubertal period. When compared to wild felids of similar size, puberty and oestral cycle durations of the jaguar females fell within the same range. Our modelling showed that age at maturity was influenced mostly by size and only Leopardus partially explained the observed variation. Conversely, oestral cycle length did not differ among genera or size categories. Our study adds to the body literature in the reproductive endocrinology of wild felids, and because female gametes are more challenging to collect and preserve, a strong understanding on the female reproductive physiology is essential to assisted reproduction and wild population viability assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Viau
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira, Butantã, 05508270, São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Débora Cattaruzzi Rodini
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira, Butantã, 05508270, São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Gisela Sobral
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira, Butantã, 05508270, São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Gabriela Siqueira Martins
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira, Butantã, 05508270, São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Gonçalves Morato
- Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Carnívoros, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Estrada Municipal Hisaichi Takebayashi, 8600, Bairro da Usina, Atibaia, 12952011 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudio Alvarenga de Oliveira
- Departamento de Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira, Butantã, 05508270, São Paulo (SP), Brazil
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Herrick JR. Assisted reproductive technologies for endangered species conservation: developing sophisticated protocols with limited access to animals with unique reproductive mechanisms. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:1158-1170. [PMID: 30770538 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have been proposed as a means of overcoming the significant challenges of managing small, isolated populations of endangered species in zoos. However, efficient protocols for ARTs do not exist for most endangered species. This review will focus on research efforts to characterize unique reproductive mechanisms and develop species-specific ARTs. Central to these studies are assays to measure steroid metabolites in urine or feces and/or training programs to allow unrestrained blood collections and ultrasound evaluations. The resulting information about estrous cycle dynamics, combined with studies of semen collection and processing, provides the foundation for the development of artificial insemination (AI). In vitro fertilization and embryo transfer are also discussed in relation to the advantages these techniques could provide relative to AI, as well as the significant challenges involved with technologies that require oocytes and embryos. Finally, an argument is made for additional research of nontraditional model species (e.g., domestic cats and dogs) and the development of novel models representing unique taxa. Whether these species are studied by zoo-based researchers with the expressed intent of developing ARTs for conservation or academic scientists interested in basic biology, the resulting information will provide a unique, evolutionary perspective on reproduction that could have wide-reaching benefits. The more information we have available, the better our chances will be of developing effective ARTs and making a difference in conservation efforts for endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason R Herrick
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St., Omaha, NE 68107, USA
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8
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Thongphakdee A, Sukparangsi W, Comizzoli P, Chatdarong K. Reproductive biology and biotechnologies in wild felids. Theriogenology 2020; 150:360-373. [PMID: 32102745 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Conservation strategies in natural habitats as well as in breeding centers are necessary for maintaining and reinforcing viable populations of wild felids. Among the fundamental knowledge that is required for conservation breeding, a solid understanding of reproductive biology is critical for improving natural breeding and enhance genetic diversity. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to develop assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in threatened and endangered species. Conservation breeding and reproductive biotechnologies of wild felids have advanced in the past decade. It has been clearly shown that female felids have species and individual patterns of reproductive cycles and respond differently to exogenous hormones. In males, several species still have poor semen quality often due to the loss of genetic diversity in small populations. To overcome the challenges of natural breeding (incompatibility between individuals or suboptimal environment) and mitigate inbreeding, artificial insemination, embryo production and embryo transfer have been further developed in 24 wild cat species. Major factors limiting ART success are inconsistent responses to ovarian stimulation, variable quality of gametes and embryos, and preparation of recipient females. Additional approaches including stem cell technologies have been explored for future medical applications. However, there still is a critical need for better knowledge of feline reproductive biology and improvement of ARTs efficiency to increase the genetic diversity and create sustainable populations of wild felids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ampika Thongphakdee
- Wildlife Reproductive Innovation Center, Bureau of Conservation and Research, Zoological Park Organization Under the Royal Patronage of H.M. the King, 267, Pracharaj 1 Road, Bang Sue, Bangkok, 10800, Thailand.
| | - Woranop Sukparangsi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Burapha University, Saen Suk, Muang, Chonburi, 20131, Thailand
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 2008, USA
| | - Kaywalee Chatdarong
- Research Unit of Obstetrics and Reproduction in Animals, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Henri-Dunant Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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9
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Thuwanut P, Brown JL, Comizzoli P, Crosier AE. Responsiveness of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) ovary to exogenous gonadotropins after preemptive oral progestin treatment. Theriogenology 2019; 138:39-46. [PMID: 31284220 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.07.001] [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: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Control of ovarian function in cheetahs is sub-optimal, which currently limits the integration of assisted reproductive techniques into the genetic management of that endangered species. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of preemptive progestin treatment on the quality of ovarian responses after exogenous gonadotropin stimulation in cheetahs. Adult females received either 1) 200 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) followed with 3,000 IU porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) (intramuscular route) (n = 5; control group) or 2) similar eCG/pLH administration preceded by a 7-day treatment with oral progestin (0.1 mg/kg altrenogest; ALT group; n = 7). At 42 h post-pLH administration, a series of metrics was assessed via laparoscopy (number of follicles ≥ 2 mm, number of corpora lutea, oviduct and uterine cornua diameter and overall vascularization). Concentrations of fecal estradiol, progesterone and glucocorticoid metabolites (FEM, FPM, and FGM, respectively) were measured by enzyme immunoassay for 3 wk before ALT treatment (Period 1), 7 d during ovarian suppression period (Period 2), throughout eCG/LH treatment and laparoscopy (Period 3), and 6 wk following laparoscopy (Period 4). Overall, nine out of 12 cheetahs (4/5 in control and 5/7 ALT group) had freshly-formed corpora lutea at the time of laparoscopy. Mean follicle and corpora lutea numbers in the control versus ALT group were not different (P > 0.05). Overall measurements and vascularization scores also did not differ (P > 0.05) among groups. FEM average concentrations increased (P ≤ 0.05) in response to eCG for the ALT-treated females between Periods 2 and 3 and were sustained during Period 4. However, FEM average concentrations did not vary (P > 0.05) for control females throughout Periods 1-4. Post-ovulatory FPM average concentrations (Period 4) did not differ (P > 0.05) between the ALT-treated females and controls. FPM average concentration from both groups increased in Period 4 compared to Periods 1-3 (P ≤ 0.05). Females receiving the ALT treatment also had lower (P ≤ 0.05) FGM metabolite average concentrations than control females during ovarian suppression (suggesting adrenal suppression). Collective results suggest that ovarian response to gonadotropin treatment in the cheetah was improved following oral progestin administration due to the normative increase in estradiol following stimulation for these females compared with control. This treatment should lead to more effective timed assisted reproduction procedures for this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweena Thuwanut
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, Washington DC, 20008, USA; Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Janine L Brown
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, Washington DC, 20008, USA
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, Washington DC, 20008, USA
| | - Adrienne E Crosier
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, Washington DC, 20008, USA.
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Naidenko SV, Berezhnoi MA, Kumar V, Umapathy G. Comparison of tigers' fecal glucocorticoids level in two extreme habitats. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214447. [PMID: 30969977 PMCID: PMC6457496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Application of different antibodies and extraction methods results in a wide range of steroid metabolite concentrations obtained during noninvasive hormones monitoring. It makes regional comparisons of steroid concentration very difficult. We compared three methods for extraction of glucocorticoids metabolites in tiger feces to examine correct stress level in Bengal and Amur tigers in India and Russia respectively. The results obtained with three different extraction methods correlate with each other positively and significantly. The highest concentration of fecal glucocorticoids metabolites (FGCM) was found after the extraction of wet feces samples with 90% methanol. The level of FGCM was significantly higher in Bengal tigers in India than in Amur tigers in Russian Far East. The reasons might be related to tigers' density or anthropogenic pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey V. Naidenko
- A.N.Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Moscow, Russia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Vinod Kumar
- CSIR-Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Govindhaswamy Umapathy
- CSIR-Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
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Equine chorionic gonadotropin induces in vitro follicular growth from the multi-layered secondary developmental stage in cats. Theriogenology 2019; 123:116-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Crosier AE, Comizzoli P, Koester DC, Wildt DE. Circumventing the natural, frequent oestrogen waves of the female cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) using oral progestin (Altrenogest). Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1486-1498. [PMID: 27483379 DOI: 10.1071/rd16007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cheetah are induced ovulators, experiencing short, variable oestrogen waves year-round. Exogenous gonadotrophin administration induces ovulation, but success is variable and often improves if ovaries are quiescent. After affirming the presence of short-term oestrogenic waves, we examined the effect of the timing of administration of exogenous equine and human chorionic gonadotrophins (eCG-hCG) within the oestrogen concentration pattern on subsequent follicle development and oocyte and corpus luteum quality. We also investigated ovarian suppression using an oral progestin (Altrenogest, 7 days) and assessed whether Altrenogest moderated adrenal activity by reducing glucocorticoid metabolites. All cheetahs exhibited short (every ~7-10 days), sporadic, year-round increases in faecal oestradiol punctuated by unpredictable periods (4-10 weeks) of baseline oestradiol (anoestrous). Gonadotrophin (eCG-hCG) efficacy was not affected by oestradiol 'wave' pattern if administered ≥3 days after an oestrogen peak. Such cheetahs produced normative faecal progestagen patterns and higher numbers (P<0.06) of mature oocytes than females given gonadotrophins ≤2 days after an oestradiol peak. Altrenogest supplementation expanded the interval between oestradiol peaks to 12.9 days compared with 7.3 days without progestin pretreatment. Altrenogest-fed females excreted less (P<0.05) glucocorticoid metabolites than non-supplemented counterparts. Results show that Altrenogest is effective for suppressing follicular activity, may contribute to reduced glucocorticoid production and may result in more effective ovulation induction via gonadotrophin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne E Crosier
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
| | - Diana C Koester
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - David E Wildt
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
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Jimenez Gonzalez S, Howard JG, Brown J, Grajales H, Pinzón J, Monsalve H, Moreno MA, Jimenez Escobar C. Reproductive analysis of male and female captive jaguars (Panthera onca) in a Colombian zoological park. Theriogenology 2017; 89:192-200. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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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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Barnes SA, Andrew Teare J, Staaden S, Metrione L, Penfold LM. Characterization and manipulation of reproductive cycles in the jaguar (Panthera onca). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 225:95-103. [PMID: 26399935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Basic reproductive information in female jaguars (Panthera onca) is lacking, thus longitudinal fecal samples from seven females were analyzed via enzyme immunoassay to measure estradiol and progestin metabolites throughout the year. Mean estrus length of 194 estrus periods measured hormonally was 6.5±0.3d, mean peak fecal estradiol concentration was 138.7±5.7ng/g; and in one female, estrus resumption occurred approximately 15d post-partum. Ovulation, as indicted by sustained elevated progestin concentrations (>20d), was successfully induced one time by treatment with exogenous hormones in one female and by physical vaginal stimulation in two females a combined total of three times. Elevated fecal progestin was observed outside exogenous stimulation on five occasions, suggesting ovulation occurred spontaneously. Mean length of physically induced and spontaneous pseudopregnancies was 24.7±4.2d and 29.6±2.6d, respectively, and mean length of pregnancy (n=2) was 98.0±0.0d. Mean peak progestin concentration for spontaneous and induced pseudopregnancies, and pregnancy was 7.4±1.4μg/g, 6.4±1.2μg/g, and 13.7±1.0μg/g, respectively. This data suggests jaguars are polyestrous and generally induced ovulators, with a moderate incidence of spontaneous ovulation. Additionally, two protocols to successfully stimulate ovarian activity in jaguars are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena A Barnes
- White Oak Conservation Center, 581705 White Oak Road, Yulee, FL 32097, United States
| | - J Andrew Teare
- International Species Information System, Eagan, MN 55121, United States
| | - Sheryl Staaden
- Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218, United States
| | - Lara Metrione
- South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation, 581705 White Oak Road, Yulee, FL 32097, United States
| | - Linda M Penfold
- South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation, 581705 White Oak Road, Yulee, FL 32097, United States.
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Dehnhard M, Kumar V, Chandrasekhar M, Jewgenow K, Umapathy G. Non-Invasive Pregnancy Diagnosis in Big Cats using the PGFM (13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α) Assay. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143958. [PMID: 26633886 PMCID: PMC4669140 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive monitoring of hormones using feces has become a vital tool for reproductive management and reliable pregnancy diagnosis in big cats. Previous studies described the PGF2α metabolite (PGFM) as an indicator of pregnancy in various feline species. The present study aimed to standardize pregnancy detection in big cats like the tiger (Panthera tigris), jaguar (Panthera onca) and lion (Panthera leo) using fecal samples. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) were performed to identify PGFM in feces. An EIA developed against 9α,11α-dihydroxy-15-oxo-prost-5-en-1-oic acid-BSA was used to assay PGFM in fecal samples of the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion and jaguar. The PGFM levels increased after 9 weeks of pregnancy and remained elevated until parturition. All animals showed elevated levels of PGFM in the last trimester of pregnancy, thus making PGFM a reliable tool for pregnancy diagnosis during this period that can be useful in captive breeding programs in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Dehnhard
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo & Wildlife Research (IZW), 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vinod Kumar
- CSIR-Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Mithileshwari Chandrasekhar
- CSIR-Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India
| | - Katarina Jewgenow
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo & Wildlife Research (IZW), 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Govindhaswamy Umapathy
- CSIR-Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India
- * E-mail:
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17
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Putman SB, Brown JL, Franklin AD, Schneider EC, Boisseau NP, Asa CS, Pukazhenthi BS. Characterization of Ovarian Steroid Patterns in Female African Lions (Panthera leo), and the Effects of Contraception on Reproductive Function. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140373. [PMID: 26460849 PMCID: PMC4603677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of poor reproduction after the lifting of an 8-year breeding moratorium, a biomedical survey of female lions in U.S. zoos was initiated in 2007. Fecal estrogen (FEM), progestagen (FPM) and glucocorticoid (FGM) metabolites were analyzed in samples collected 3-4 times per wk from 28 lions at 17 facilities (0.9-13.8 yr of age) for 4 mo-3.5 yr and body weights were obtained ~monthly from 17 animals at eight facilities (0.0-3.0 yr of age). Based on FEM, estrous cycle length averaged 17.5 ± 0.4 d in duration, with estrus lasting 4.4 ± 0.2 d. All but one female exhibited waves of estrogenic activity indicative of follicular activity; however, not all females expressed estrous behaviors (73%), suggesting silent estrus was common. Female lions experienced puberty earlier than expected; waves of estrogenic activity were observed as young as 1.1 yr of age, which may be related to a faster growth rate of captive vs. wild lions. Mean gestation length was 109.5 ± 1.0 d, whereas the non-pregnant luteal phase was less than half (46.0 ± 1.2 d). Non-mating induced increases in FPM were observed in 33% of females housed without a male, consistent with spontaneous ovulation. A number of study animals had been contracepted, and the return to cyclicity after treatment withdrawal, while variable, was ~4.0 yr and longer than the 1-yr expected efficacy, especially for those implanted with Suprelorin. For FGM, there were no differences in overall, baseline or peak mean concentrations among the age groups or across seasons, nor were there any relationships between reproductive parameters and FGM concentrations. Overall, results suggest that poor reproduction in lions after the breeding moratorium was not related to altered adrenal or ovarian steroid activity, but for some females may have been a consequence of individual institutions' management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B. Putman
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
- George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Janine L. Brown
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ashley D. Franklin
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
- Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Tacoma, Washington, United States of America
| | - Emily C. Schneider
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
- Shady Grove Fertility, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nicole P. Boisseau
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Cheryl S. Asa
- AZA Wildlife Contraception Center, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Budhan S. Pukazhenthi
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
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18
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Fecal endocrine monitoring of reproduction in female snow leopards (Uncia uncia). Theriogenology 2014; 82:17-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 02/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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19
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Johnson AEM, Freeman EW, Colgin M, McDonough C, Songsasen N. Induction of ovarian activity and ovulation in an induced ovulator, the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), using GnRH agonist and recombinant LH. Theriogenology 2014; 82:71-9. [PMID: 24742964 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive techniques, such as ovarian manipulation and artificial insemination, are useful for enhancing genetic management of threatened wildlife maintained ex situ. In this study, we used noninvasive fecal hormone monitoring to investigate (1) the influence of pairing with a male on endocrine responses of female maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) to a GnRH agonist (deslorelin) and (2) the efficiency of recombinant LH (reLH) on ovulation induction in females housed alone. Deslorelin (2.1 mg Ovuplant) was given to females that were either paired with a male (n = 4) or housed alone (n = 7); the implant was removed 7 to 11 days postimplantation. Three of seven singleton females were injected with reLH (0.0375 mg) on the day of implant removal, whereas the remaining females (n = 4) did not receive the additional treatment. Fecal samples were collected 5 to 7 days/wk from all females starting 11 days prior to hormone insertion until at least 70 days post implant removal for a total of 11 hormone treatment cycles. Fecal estrogen and progestagen metabolites were extracted and analyzed by enzyme immunoassay. Evidence of ovulation, demonstrated by a surge of estrogen followed by a significant rise in progestagen, occurred in all paired females. Three of the four singleton females that did not receive reLH treatment exhibited no rise in progestagen after an estrogen surge. All singleton females treated with reLH exhibited a rise in fecal progestagen after injection, indicating ovulation. In conclusion, deslorelin is effective at inducing ovarian activity and ovulation in paired female maned wolves; however, exogenous reLH is needed to induce ovulation in females housed alone. The findings obtained from this study serve as a foundation for future application of artificial insemination to enhance genetic management of this threatened species ex situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E M Johnson
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, USA; Environmental Science and Policy, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Mark Colgin
- Venaxis, Inc. (formerly AspenBio Pharma, Inc.), Castle Rock, Colorado, USA
| | - Caitlin McDonough
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, USA
| | - Nucharin Songsasen
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, USA.
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20
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Fukui D, Nagano M, Nakamura R, Bando G, Nakata S, Kosuge M, Sakamoto H, Matsui M, Yanagawa Y, Takahashi Y. The effects of frequent electroejaculation on the semen characteristics of a captive Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica). J Reprod Dev 2013; 59:491-5. [PMID: 23774799 PMCID: PMC3934116 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2013-016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) can help to avoid inbreeding and genetic degeneration
for sustaining genetically healthy populations of endangered species in captivity.
Collection of a sufficient quantity of viable sperm is an essential first step in the
AI process. In the present study, we examined the effects of frequent
electroejaculation on semen characteristics in a Siberian tiger. We collected semen
in all 17 trials during 6 breeding seasons (6 years). The mean number of sperm and
the percentage of motile sperm were 294.3 ± 250.2×106/ejaculate and 82.4 ±
11.4%, respectively. The number of motile sperm tended to increase during frequent
electroejaculation in the same breeding season. Semen collection by
electroejaculation can be performed effectively up to the fourth sequential
ejaculate, which contained the most sperm in the study. In conclusion, frequent
collection of sperm by electroejaculation from tigers may be effective for collection
of a large number of motile sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Fukui
- Asahikawa Municipal Asahiyama Zoological Park & Wildlife Conservation Center, Asahikawa 078-8205, Japan
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Umapathy G, Kumar V, Kabra M, Shivaji S. Detection of pregnancy and fertility status in big cats using an enzyme immunoassay based on 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 180:33-8. [PMID: 23142266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Revised: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Development of non-invasive steroid hormone assays using fecal samples is crucial for detection of pregnancy and monitoring of fertility status in big cats and thus facilitates conservation and management of wild animals. Due to changes in metabolism and excretory pattern, animals excrete different steroid metabolites in feces and urine. The present study is an attempt to develop a common enzyme immunoassay for 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one one of the predominant progestogen metabolites in the feces samples of big cats. The developed ELISA showed a high sensitivity and low cross reactivity to other hormones compared to commercially available RIA kits based on progesterone antibody. It could be used in a wide range of animals for monitoring fertility status and pregnancy detection by measuring fecal steroid metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govindhaswamy Umapathy
- Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, India
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22
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Stewart RA, Pelican KM, Crosier AE, Pukazhenthi BS, Wildt DE, Ottinger MA, Howard J. Oral progestin priming increases ovarian sensitivity to gonadotropin stimulation and improves luteal function in the cat. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:137. [PMID: 23100619 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.104190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
As the only domesticated species known to exhibit both induced and spontaneous ovulation, the cat is a model for understanding the nuances of ovarian control. To explore ovarian sensitivity to exogenous gonadotropins and the influence of progestin priming, we conducted a study of queens that were down-regulated with oral progestin or allowed to cycle normally, followed by low or high doses of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Our metrics included 1) fecal steroid metabolite profiles before and after ovulation induction, 2) laparoscopic examination of ovarian follicles and corpora lutea (CL) on Days 2 and 17 (Day 0 = hCG administration), and 3) ovariohysterectomy (Day 17) to assess CL progesterone concentrations, morphometrics, and histology. Reproductive tracts from time-matched, naturally mated queens (n = 6) served as controls. Every progestin-primed cat (n = 12) produced the desired response of morphologically similar, fresh CL (regardless of eCG/hCG dose) by Day 2, whereas 41.7% of unprimed counterparts (n = 12) failed to ovulate or had variable-aged CL suggestive of prior spontaneous ovulation (P < 0.05). The ovarian response to low, but not high, eCG/hCG was improved (P < 0.05) in primed compared to unprimed cats, indicating increased sensitivity to gonadotropin in the progestin-primed ovary. Progestin priming prevented hyperelevated fecal steroid metabolites and normalized CL progesterone capacity, but only when combined with low eCG/hCG. However, priming failed to prevent ancillary CL formation, smaller CL mass, or abnormal luteal cell density, which were common to all eCG/hCG-treated cats. Thus, the domestic cat exposed to eCG/hCG produces CL with structural and functional aberrations. These anomalies can be partially mitigated by progestin priming, possibly due to a protective effect of progestin associated with enhanced ovarian sensitivity to gonadotropins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary A Stewart
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia 22630, USA
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23
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Santymire RM, Brown JL, Stewart RA, Santymire RC, Wildt DE, Howard J. Reproductive gonadal steroidogenic activity in the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) assessed by fecal steroid analyses. Anim Reprod Sci 2011; 128:60-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2011.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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25
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Fecal steroid metabolites and reproductive monitoring in a female Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus). Theriogenology 2010; 74:1499-503. [PMID: 20615533 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Revised: 03/18/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Although the Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) is one of the most endangered mammals in Japan, its reproductive physiology and endocrinology have been not elucidated. The objective was to establish the non-invasive monitoring of reproductive endocrinology in a female Tsushima leopard cat and to identify the types of fecal reproductive steroid metabolites in this species. Fecal concentrations of estrogen and progestin were determined by enzyme immunoassays, from 60 d before to 60 d after the last copulation, during three pregnancies. Fecal estrogen metabolite concentrations were increased before/around the mating period and after mid-pregnancy. Fecal progestin metabolite concentrations increased after the last copulation and remained high during pregnancy. The gestation period was 65.0 ± 0.6 d (mean ± SD). Fecal extracts were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography for identification of fecal metabolites. Fecal estrogens were identified as estradiol-17β and estrone. Fecal progestins during pregnancy contained 5α-reduced pregnanes: 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one, 5α-pregnan-3β-ol-20-one and 5α-pregnan-3,20-dione, and nonmetabolized progesterone was barely detected in feces. In conclusion, measurement of fecal estrogen and progestin metabolites was effective for noninvasive reproductive monitoring in the Tsushima leopard cat. An immunoassay for fecal estradiol-17β concentrations seemed useful to monitor follicular activity, whereas an immunoassay with high cross reactivity for 5α-reduced pregnanes was useful to monitor ovarian luteal activity and pregnancy.
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26
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Dehnhard M, Fanson K, Frank A, Naidenko SV, Vargas A, Jewgenow K. Comparative metabolism of gestagens and estrogens in the four lynx species, the Eurasian (Lynx lynx), the Iberian (L. pardinus), the Canada lynx (L. canadensis) and the bobcat (L. rufus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2010; 167:287-96. [PMID: 20346945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2009] [Revised: 02/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
With the increasing prevalence of faecal hormone metabolite analysis, it is important to develop a better understanding of the dynamics of faecal metabolite composition. The aim of this study was to compare the quantitative faecal gestagen and estrogen metabolite composition in the four lynx species: Eurasian lynx, Iberian lynx, Canada lynx and bobcats. Comparative HPLC immunograms were generated from faecal samples collected before, during, and after pregnancy from individual females of each lynx species. Gestagens and estrogens revealed three similar classes of immunoreactive faecal metabolites: (1) polar metabolites which were enzyme-hydrolysable and thus may be designated as conjugates, (2) non-hydrolysable polar metabolites, and (3) non-polar metabolites or free steroids. For both hormones, strong similarities in the HPLC immunograms across species suggests that steroid metabolism is relatively conserved among Lynx species. Gestagens were primarily excreted as polar conjugates or unknown metabolites, whereas estrogen metabolism revealed a huge proportion (approximately 50%) consisting of 17beta-estradiol and estrone. These results are consistent with patterns of steroid metabolism in other felid species. Only two minor species-specific patterns emerged. In bobcats, we observed an exceptionally high proportion of gestagen conjugates, and in Iberian lynx, there was an exceptionally high proportion of estrone. The comparison of HPLC immunograms within individuals revealed that intra-individual variations in steroid metabolite composition are considerably high. However, changes in metabolite composition did not correlate with specific reproductive stages; rather, they seemed to occur at random. We assume that these differences may reflect changes in liver metabolism and/or qualitative and quantitative variations in gut bacteria composition, resulting in differences in faecal metabolite composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dehnhard
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research, PF 601103, D-10252 Berlin, Germany.
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27
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Batista-Arteaga M, Santana M, Lozano O, Méndez J, Quesada O, Arbelo M, Espinosa J. Medical and surgical management of a dystocia because of foetopelvic disproportion in an African lioness (Panthera leo). Reprod Domest Anim 2010; 46:362-5. [PMID: 20456665 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01630.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Medical and surgical management of a foetopelvic dystocia in an African lioness (Panthera leo) and the post-operative complications are reported. A caesarean section was performed to extract an oversize foetus blocked at the cervical canal; the lioness died 36 h after surgery. At necropsy, an abdominal effusion with sero-haemorrhagic fluid was observed, along with a fibrinopurulent exudate adhered to the serosal surfaces of the pelvic and abdominal cavities. In addition, the pelvic symphysis was not cartilaginous, but formed a firm and rigid joint between the pubis and ischium of each hip. The macroscopic and microscopic findings confirmed the presence of metritis, vaginitis and peritonitis. Dystocia may be caused by the premature ossification of the pelvic symphysis, reducing the dimensions of the pelvic cavity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Batista-Arteaga
- Unit of Reproduction and Obstetrics, University Veterinary Hospital, Las Palmas, Spain.
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Stewart R, Pelican K, Brown J, Wildt D, Ottinger M, Howard J. Oral progestin induces rapid, reversible suppression of ovarian activity in the cat. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2010; 166:409-16. [PMID: 20051246 PMCID: PMC2840999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2009] [Revised: 12/07/2009] [Accepted: 12/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The influence of oral progestin (altrenogest; ALT) on cat ovarian activity was studied using non-invasive fecal steroid monitoring. Queens were assigned to various ALT dosages: (1) 0mg/kg (control; n=5 cats); (2) 0.044 mg/kg (LOW; n=5); (3) 0.088 mg/kg (MID; n=6); or (4) 0.352 mg/kg (HIGH; n=6). Fecal estrogen and progestagen concentrations were quantified using enzyme immunoassays for 60 days before, 38 days during and 60 days after ALT treatment. Initiation of follicular activity was suppressed in all cats during progestin treatment, whereas controls continued to cycle normally. Females (n=6) with elevated fecal estrogens at treatment onset completed a normal follicular phase before returning to baseline and remained suppressed until treatment withdrawal. All cats receiving oral progestin re-initiated follicular activity after treatment, although MID cats experienced the most synchronized return (within 10-16 days). Mean baseline fecal estrogens and progestagens were higher (P<0.05) after treatment in HIGH, but not in LOW or MID cats compared to pre-treatment values. The results demonstrate that: (1) oral progestin rapidly suppresses initiation of follicular activity in the cat, but does not influence a follicular phase that exists before treatment initiation; and (2) queens return to normal follicular activity after progestin withdrawal. This study provides foundational information for research aimed at using progestin priming to improve ovarian response in felids scheduled for ovulation induction and assisted breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- R.A. Stewart
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, Conservation & Research Center, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - K.M. Pelican
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, Conservation & Research Center, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - J.L. Brown
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, Conservation & Research Center, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - D.E. Wildt
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, Conservation & Research Center, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
| | - M.A. Ottinger
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - J.G. Howard
- Department of Reproductive Sciences, Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park, Conservation & Research Center, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA
- Corresponding author. Fax: + 1 540 635 6506. (D.E. Wildt)
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29
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Herrick JR, Bond JB, Campbell M, Levens G, Moore T, Benson K, D'Agostino J, West G, Okeson DM, Coke R, Portacio SC, Leiske K, Kreider C, Polumbo PJ, Swanson WF. Fecal endocrine profiles and ejaculate traits in black-footed cats (Felis nigripes) and sand cats (Felis margarita). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2010; 165:204-14. [PMID: 19576217 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2009] [Revised: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 06/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Information regarding the reproductive biology of black-footed cats (BFC) and sand cats (SC) is extremely limited. Our objectives were to: (1) validate fecal hormone analysis (estrogens, E; progestagens, P; androgens, T) for noninvasive monitoring of gonadal activity; (2) characterize estrous cyclicity, ovulatory mechanisms, gestation, and seasonality; and (3) evaluate male reproductive activity via fecal androgen metabolites and ejaculate traits. In both species, the estrous cycle averaged 11-12 days. In BFC (n=8), estrus lasted 2.2+/-0.2 days with peak concentrations of E (2962.8+/-166.3 ng/g feces) increasing 2.7-fold above basal concentrations. In SC (n=6), peak concentrations of E (1669.9+/-83.5 ng/g feces) during estrus (2.9+/-0.2 days) were 4.0-fold higher than basal concentrations. Nonpregnant luteal phases occurred in 26.5% (26 of 98) of BFC estrous cycles, but were not observed in SC (0 of 109 cycles). In both species, P concentrations during pregnancy were elevated (32.3+/-3.0 microg/g feces BFC; 8.5+/-0.7 microg/g feces SC) approximately 10-fold above basal concentrations. Fecal T concentrations in males averaged 3.1+/-0.1 microg/g feces in BFC and 2.3+/-0.0 microg/g feces in SC. Following electroejaculation, 200 to 250 microl of semen was collected containing 29.9 (BFC) to 36.5 (SC)x10(6) spermatozoa with 40.4 (SC) to 46.8 (BFC)% normal morphology. All females exhibited estrous cycles during the study and spermatozoa were recovered from all males on every collection attempt, suggesting poor reproductive success in these species may not be due to physiological infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Herrick
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, Urbana, IL, USA.
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Kusuda S, Hashikawa H, Takeda M, Takeda K, Ito H, Ogata-Kobayashi Y, Hashimoto M, Ogata M, Morikaku K, Araki S, Makino T, Doi O. Noninvasive Monitoring of Reproductive Activity Based on Fecal Progestagen Profiles and Sexual Behavior in Koalas, Phascolarctos cinereus1. Biol Reprod 2009; 81:1033-40. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.076950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Braun B, Frank A, Dehnhard M, Voigt C, Vargas A, Göritz F, Jewgenow K. Pregnancy diagnosis in urine of Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). Theriogenology 2009; 71:754-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.09.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2008] [Revised: 09/23/2008] [Accepted: 09/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Kouba AJ, Vance CK. Applied reproductive technologies and genetic resource banking for amphibian conservation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2009; 21:719-37. [DOI: 10.1071/rd09038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2009] [Accepted: 03/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As amphibian populations continue to decline, both government and non-government organisations are establishing captive assurance colonies to secure populations deemed at risk of extinction if left in the wild. For the most part, little is known about the nutritional ecology, reproductive biology or husbandry needs of the animals placed into captive breeding programs. Because of this lack of knowledge, conservation biologists are currently facing the difficult task of maintaining and reproducing these species. Academic and zoo scientists are beginning to examine different technologies for maintaining the genetic diversity of founder populations brought out of the wild before the animals become extinct from rapidly spreading epizootic diseases. One such technology is genetic resource banking and applied reproductive technologies for species that are difficult to reproduce reliably in captivity. Significant advances have been made in the last decade for amphibian assisted reproduction including the use of exogenous hormones for induction of spermiation and ovulation, in vitro fertilisation, short-term cold storage of gametes and long-term cryopreservation of spermatozoa. These scientific breakthroughs for a select few species will no doubt serve as models for future assisted breeding protocols and the increasing number of amphibians requiring conservation intervention. However, the development of specialised assisted breeding protocols that can be applied to many different families of amphibians will likely require species-specific modifications considering their wide range of reproductive modes. The purpose of this review is to summarise the current state of knowledge in the area of assisted reproduction technologies and gene banking for the conservation of amphibians.
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Li X, Yeung LWY, Taniyasu S, Lam PKS, Yamashita N, Xu M, Dai J. Accumulation of perfluorinated compounds in captive Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) and African lions (Panthera leo Linnaeus) in China. CHEMOSPHERE 2008; 73:1649-1653. [PMID: 18789477 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.07.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2008] [Revised: 07/05/2008] [Accepted: 07/29/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in the sera of captive wildlife species Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) and African lions (Panthera leo Linnaeus) from Harbin Wildlife Park, Heilongjiang Province, in China were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) was the predominant contaminant with a mean serum concentration of 1.18 ng mL(-1) in tigers and 2.69 ng mL(-1) in lions. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) was the second most prevalent contaminant in both species. The composition profiles of the tested PFCs differed between tigers and lions, and the percentages of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were greater in lions than in tigers, indicating different exposures and/or metabolic capabilities between the two species. Assessments of the risk of PFC contamination to the two species were obtained by comparing measured concentrations to points of departure or toxicity reference values (TRVs). Results suggest no risk of PFOS exposure or toxicity for the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, PR China
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Dehnhard M, Naidenko S, Frank A, Braun B, Gritz F, Jewgenow K. Non-invasive Monitoring of Hormones: A Tool to Improve Reproduction in Captive Breeding of the Eurasian Lynx. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 43 Suppl 2:74-82. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01145.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Umapathy G, Sontakke SD, Srinivasu K, Kiran T, Kholkute SD, Shivaji S. Estrus behavior and fecal steroid profiles in the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) during natural and gonadotropin-induced estrus. Anim Reprod Sci 2007; 101:313-25. [PMID: 17029836 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2006.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2006] [Revised: 08/31/2006] [Accepted: 09/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In this paper the behavior of the Asiatic lion was studied during natural and gonadotropin-induced estrus in relation to fecal estradiol and progesterone concentration. The average length of estrus was 5.4 days and no significant difference was observed between natural and gonadotropin-induced estrus. Vocalization and rolling were the major estrus behavioral activities of Asiatic lions and the frequency of these activities were similar in both natural and gonadotropin-induced estrus and treatment with exogenous gonadotropin did not alter estrus behavioral activities. A significant positive correlation was observed between fecal estradiol and frequency of estrus behavior during natural and gonadotropin-induced estrus. Following gonadotropin treatment estrus could be induced in 69% of animals and these induced animals ovulated following hCG treatment. This study reports for the first time the successful use of the non-invasive fecal steroid assay for monitoring the induction of estrus and ovulation in the Asiatic lion.
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Abstract
Indications for estrus induction in the dog and cat include potential missed breeding opportunities or conception failure, the treatment of primary or secondary anestrus, out-of-season breeding (feline) and synchronization of ovulation for embryo transfer programs. Reported methods for estrus induction in bitches and queens include the use of synthetic estrogens (diethylstilbesterol), dopamine agonists (bromocriptine and cabergoline), GnRH agonists (lutrelin, buserelin, fertirelin, deslorelin, and leuprolide), exogenous gonadotropins (LH, FSH, hCG, PMSG, and human menopausal gonadotropin) and opiate antagonists (naloxone). These methods vary widely in efficacy of inducing estrus as well as in the fertility of the induced estrus. The applicability of some of these methods for clinical practice is questionable. This review will summarize published reports on estrus induction in canids and felids, both wild and domestic, and provide an update on research using a long-acting injectable deslorelin preparation in bitches.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Kutzler
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, 209 Magruder Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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SCHWARZENBERGER F. The many uses of non-invasive faecal steroid monitoring in zoo and wildlife species. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1090.2007.00017.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Putranto HD, Kusuda S, Inagaki K, Kumagai G, Ishii-Tamura R, Uziie Y, Doi O. Ovarian activity and pregnancy in the Siberian tiger, Panthera tigris altaica, assessed by fecal gonadal steroid hormones analyses. J Vet Med Sci 2007; 69:569-71. [PMID: 17551237 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.69.569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Feces were collected from two female and one male Siberian tigers, Panthera tigris altaica. Steroid hormones were extracted from lyophilized feces and quantified by enzyme immunoassay. The fecal contents of estradiol-17beta (E(2)) and testosterone in the females and male, respectively, changed markedly throughout the year. The fecal E(2) contents of females Nos. 179 and 238 increased at 26.4 +/- 8.0 and 28.0 +/- 14.2 day intervals, respectively. However, the fecal contents of progesterone (P(4)) in the female kept alone did not change. In contrast, the other female, which was kept with a male, had increased fecal P(4) contents after copulation. The fecal progesterone levels of the pregnant female remained high during her 106-day pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heri Dwi Putranto
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Yanagido, Gifu, Japan
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Molinia FC, Myers JV, Glazier AM, Duckworth JA, Rodger JC. Uterine and vaginal insemination optimised in brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) superovulated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin and porcine luteinising hormone. Reprod Fertil Dev 2007; 19:521-9. [PMID: 17524296 DOI: 10.1071/rd06135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2006] [Accepted: 02/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) is being developed as an assisted breeding model for endangered marsupials, as well as a bioassay for testing fertility control vaccines to manage overabundant populations. Procedures were optimised in animals superovulated with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) and porcine luteinising hormone (pLH). Of three intervals examined, yields were maximal following uterine insemination at 27–29.5 h after pLH treatment (four eggs, two to three embryos per female). Compared with no insemination, uterine-inseminated animals ovulated 30–36 h rather than 28–34 h after pLH treatment. For the vaginal route, yields were maximal following insemination at 10–13 h after pLH treatment (six to seven eggs, four embryos per female) than at five other intervals, and when using acclimatised females during the autumn breeding season. This protocol was suitable for testing fertility control vaccines in April–June and was influenced by the housing location of animals, the presence of an active corpus luteum and PMSG batch, but not other factors (year of trial, Freund’s adjuvant treatment, changes in bodyweight, dose of PMSG kg–1). Embryos developed to the eight- to 16-cell or unilaminar blastocyst stage after uterine or vaginal insemination, respectively. With the timing of artificial insemination optimised, new methods to synchronise or induce oestrus and ovulation are required to achieve year-round testing of fertility control vaccines or birth of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C Molinia
- National Research Centre for Possum Biocontrol at Landcare Research, PO Box 40, Lincoln 7640, New Zealand.
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