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Palmer EI, Betty EL, Murphy S, Perrott MR, Smith ANH, Stockin KA. Reproductive biology of male common dolphins ( Delphinus delphis) in New Zealand waters. MARINE BIOLOGY 2023; 170:153. [PMID: 37811127 PMCID: PMC10558376 DOI: 10.1007/s00227-023-04266-5] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive parameters were assessed in 64 male common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) examined post-mortem from strandings and bycatch in New Zealand between 1999 and 2020. The stages of male sexual maturation were assessed using morphological measurements and histological examination of testicular tissue. Age was determined via growth layer groups (GLGs) in teeth. The average age (ASM) and length (LSM) at attainment of sexual maturity were estimated to be 8.8 years and 198.3 cm, respectively. Individual variation in ASM (7.5-10 years) and LSM (190-220 cm) was observed in New Zealand common dolphins. However, on average, sexual maturity was attained at a similar length but at a marginally younger age (< 1 year) in New Zealand compared to populations in the Northern Hemisphere. All testicular variables proved better predictors of sexual maturity compared to demographic variables (age and total body length), with combined testes weight the best outright predictor of sexual maturity. Reproductive seasonality was observed in male common dolphins, with a significant increase in combined testes weight in austral summer. This aligns with most other studied populations, where seasonality in reproduction is typically observed. Given the known anthropogenic impacts on New Zealand common dolphins, we recommend that these findings be used as a baseline from which to monitor population-level changes as part of conservation management efforts. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00227-023-04266-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily I. Palmer
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, 0745 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Emma L. Betty
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, 0745 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technological University, ATU Galway City, Old Dublin Road, Galway, H91 T8NW Ireland
| | - Matthew R. Perrott
- School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Adam N. H. Smith
- School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Massey University, 0745 Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karen A. Stockin
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, 0745 Auckland, New Zealand
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2
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Montano G, Clough P, Schmitt T, Davis M, Steinman K, O’Brien J, Robeck T. Follicular and Hormonal Changes after Estrous Synchronization in Bottlenose Dolphins. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 3:RAF-22-0039. [PMID: 36074941 PMCID: PMC9578064 DOI: 10.1530/raf-22-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
To gain more knowledge about the influence of hormone regulation on follicle development, ovarian ultrasounds were performed, and urinary hormone profiles were determined in ovulating and non-ovulating female bottlenose dolphins (n = 15) following estrus synchronization with altrenogest. Ovarian ultrasounds were conducted daily, post synchronization to describe follicular recruitment in relationship to the endocrine profile. Follicle sizes were grouped into very small (VSM), small (SM), medium (MD) and large (LG). In ovulating females, two follicular waves were identified, and follicular deviation towards establishing a dominant follicle only occurred during the second wave. For non-ovulating females, only the first wave was observed. For all urinary hormones, the non-ovulating group presented significantly lower concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (uFSH), luteinizing hormone (uLH), estrone conjugates (uE1-C) and estriol (uE3) but similar progestagen and cortisol concentrations compared to the ovulating group. Concentrations of uE1-C and uE3 and numbers of MD and LG follicles significantly (P < 0.05) increased, while uFSH concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) decreased as ovulation approached. Urinary LH significantly increased concurrently with increasing numbers of LG follicles and decreasing numbers of SM follicles. The characterization of follicular development and its relationship with hormone assessments complements our understanding of follicular recruitment post-synchronization in bottlenose dolphins and provides new information concerning differences between ovulating and non-ovulating females in response to an estrous synchronization protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Montano
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Species Preservation Laboratory, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Inc., Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Pat Clough
- Dolphin Research Center, Grassy Key, Florida, USA
| | - Todd Schmitt
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Inc., SeaWorld California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Michelle Davis
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Inc., SeaWorld Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Karen Steinman
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Species Preservation Laboratory, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Inc., Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Justine O’Brien
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Species Preservation Laboratory, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Inc., Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Todd Robeck
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Species Preservation Laboratory, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Inc., Orlando, Florida, USA
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3
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Regression of corpus luteum in cetaceans: A systematic review. ZOOLOGY 2021; 149:125960. [PMID: 34536741 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2021.125960] [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: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Functional and structural change of corpus luteum through the cascade of several genes in the ovary leads to ovulation and pregnancy. In most mammals, the absence of pregnancy leads to the disintegration of the corpus luteum. In the ovary of cetaceans, the regression of the corpus luteum gets delayed and persists on the surface as scars (corpus albicans). The database on luteolysis of mammals was collected and examined to know the mechanisms involved in the corpus luteum regression of cetaceans. Surprisingly, there existed no data on the concerned topic. Some past findings reported the persistence of ovarian scars through the entire life span, while few reported the regression. Also, those investigations were about the physiology and histology of corpus luteum regression. The pathways and the genes involved in the regression of the cetacean corpus luteum remain unexplored. This review is all about the regression of corpus luteum and recommends gene-based evolutionary studies in the future to resolve the existing theories on ovarian scar persistence in cetaceans.
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4
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Lowe CL, Hunt KE, Rogers MC, Neilson JL, Robbins J, Gabriele CM, Teerlink SS, Seton R, Buck CL. Multi-year progesterone profiles during pregnancy in baleen of humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae). CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab059. [PMID: 34745632 PMCID: PMC8567847 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Understanding calving rates of wild whale populations is critically important for management and conservation. Reproduction of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) is difficult to monitor and, even with long-term sighting studies, basic physiological information such as pregnancy rates and calving intervals remain poorly understood in many populations. We hypothesized that pregnant whales have sustained elevations in baleen progesterone that temporally correlate with gestation. To test this hypothesis, baleen progesterone profiles from two adult female North Pacific humpbacks, both with extensive sighting records and documented pregnancies, were compared to those of a nulliparous female (adult female never seen with a calf) and a juvenile male. Baleen specimens recovered during necropsy were subsampled every 2 cm from the base to the tip of the plate, with each interval representing 30-45 days of growth. Homogenized baleen powder was assayed for progesterone using enzyme immunoassays. The date of growth of each sampling location on the baleen plate was estimated based on stable isotope analysis of annual δ15N cycles. Progesterone profiles from both pregnant whales showed sustained high progesterone content (>350 ng/g) in areas corresponding to known pregnancies, inferred from calf sightings and post-mortem data. The younger female, estimated to be 13 years old, had higher progesterone during pregnancy than the 44.5 year old, but levels during non-pregnancy were similar. The nulliparous female and the male had low progesterone throughout their baleen plates. Baleen hormone analysis can determine how progesterone concentrations change throughout gestation and has potential for estimating age at first reproduction, pregnancy intervals, failed pregnancies and early calf mortality. Understanding rates of calving and current and historic reproductive patterns in humpbacks is vital to continuing conservation measures in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carley L Lowe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona
University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
| | - Kathleen E Hunt
- Department of Biology, George Mason University and
Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, Front Royal, VA 22630,
USA
| | - Matthew C Rogers
- Alaska Fisheries Science Center Auke Bay Laboratories, NOAA,
National Marine Fisheries Service, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
| | - Janet L Neilson
- Humpback Whale Monitoring Program, Glacier Bay National Park
and Preserve, Gustavus, AK 99826, USA
| | - Jooke Robbins
- Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown, MA
02657, USA
| | - Christine M Gabriele
- Humpback Whale Monitoring Program, Glacier Bay National Park
and Preserve, Gustavus, AK 99826, USA
| | | | | | - C Loren Buck
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona
University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
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5
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Fuentes-Albero MC, González-Brusi L, Cots P, Luongo C, Abril-Sánchez S, Ros-Santaella JL, Pintus E, Ruiz-Díaz S, Barros-García C, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, García-Párraga D, Avilés M, Izquierdo Rico MJ, García-Vázquez FA. Protein Identification of Spermatozoa and Seminal Plasma in Bottlenose Dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus). Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:673961. [PMID: 34336830 PMCID: PMC8323341 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.673961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins play an important role in many reproductive functions such as sperm maturation, sperm transit in the female genital tract or sperm-oocyte interaction. However, in general, little information concerning reproductive features is available in the case of aquatic animals. The present study aims to characterize the proteome of both spermatozoa and seminal plasma of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) as a model organism for cetaceans. Ejaculate samples were obtained from two trained dolphins housed in an aquarium. Spermatozoa and seminal plasma were analyzed by means of proteomic analyses using an LC-MS/MS, and a list with the gene symbols corresponding to each protein was submitted to the DAVID database. Of the 419 proteins identified in spermatozoa and 303 in seminal plasma, 111 proteins were shared by both. Furthermore, 70 proteins were identified as involved in reproductive processes, 39 in spermatozoa, and 31 in seminal plasma. The five most abundant proteins were also identified in these samples: AKAP3, ODF2, TUBB, GSTM3, ROPN1 for spermatozoa and CST11, LTF, ALB, HSP90B1, PIGR for seminal plasma. In conclusion, this study provides the first characterization of the proteome in cetacean sperm and seminal plasma, opening the way to future research into new biomarkers, the analysis of conservation capacity or possible additional applications in the field of assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari-Carmen Fuentes-Albero
- Department of Biology, Avanqua-Oceanogràfic S.L, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Leopoldo González-Brusi
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Paula Cots
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Chiara Luongo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Silvia Abril-Sánchez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Luis Ros-Santaella
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eliana Pintus
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Sara Ruiz-Díaz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Agricultural and Food Research and Technology Institute (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - María-Jesús Sánchez-Calabuig
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Agricultural and Food Research and Technology Institute (INIA), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel García-Párraga
- Department of Biology, Avanqua-Oceanogràfic S.L, Valencia, Spain.,Research Department, Fundación Oceanogràfic, Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Mᵃ José Izquierdo Rico
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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6
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Ohno Y, Akune Y, Nitto H, Inoshima Y. Leukopenia induced by micafungin in a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): a case report. J Vet Med Sci 2019; 81:449-453. [PMID: 30674741 PMCID: PMC6451895 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.18-0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) housed in the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium (PNPA) presented with symptomatic pneumonia caused by Aspergillus
fumigatus. The dolphin was treated with micafungin. On days 2 and 11 after the first administration of micafungin, results from a physical examination and laboratory test
indicated a decline of body temperature (BT) and leukopenia, with lowest BT, white blood cells (WBCs), and segmented neutrophils (SEGs) of 34.2°C, 600 cells/µl, and 67
cells/µl, respectively. BT, WBCs, and SEGs returned to normal range after administration of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). To the best of our knowledge,
this is the first report of micafungin-induced decline of BT and leukopenia that was successfully treated with G-CSF in a bottlenose dolphin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshito Ohno
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, 1-3 Minato-machi, Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0033, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Akune
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, 1-3 Minato-machi, Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nitto
- Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, 1-3 Minato-machi, Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0033, Japan
| | - Yasuo Inoshima
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.,Education and Research Center for Food Animal Health, Gifu University (GeFAH), 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
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7
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Phillippe M, Phillippe SM. Birth and death: Evidence for the same biologic clock. Am J Reprod Immunol 2017; 77. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Phillippe
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | - Shiela M. Phillippe
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
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8
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Thometz NM, Kendall TL, Richter BP, Williams TM. The high cost of reproduction in sea otters necessitates unique physiological adaptations. J Exp Biol 2016; 219:2260-4. [PMID: 27489214 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.138891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Superimposed on inherently high basal metabolic demands, the additional energetic requirements of reproduction can push female sea otters beyond physiological limits. Indeed, the resulting energy imbalance contributes to disproportionately high rates of mortality at the end of lactation in this species. To examine and quantify metabolic changes associated with reproduction, we measured the resting metabolic rate (RMR) of a female sea otter across gestation, lactation and non-reproductive periods. Concurrently, measurements were made on a non-breeding control female. Our results suggest that RMR declines during gestation. Conversely, RMR increases during lactation, reaches a peak at 3-4 months postpartum, and remains elevated until weaning. Combining these direct measurements with published data, we found the cost of pup rearing to be significantly higher than previously estimated. High baseline energy demands and limited energy reserves, combined with significant lactation and pup rearing costs, appear to necessitate metabolic and thermal lability during key reproductive stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Thometz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California at Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Traci L Kendall
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California at Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Beau P Richter
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California at Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Terrie M Williams
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California at Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
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9
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de Mello DMD, de Oliveira CA. Biological matrices for sampling free-ranging cetaceans and the implications of their use for reproductive endocrine monitoring. Mamm Rev 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Magalhães Drummond de Mello
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; University of São Paulo; Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 - Cidade Universitária São Paulo 05508 270 Brazil
| | - Cláudio Alvarenga de Oliveira
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; University of São Paulo; Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 - Cidade Universitária São Paulo 05508 270 Brazil
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10
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Kellner AWA. Protein extraction methods of tomato, environmental changes of the Amazon Forest in Roraima (northernmost part of Brazil) for the last 1000 years, and histological characteristics of a dolphin species. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2015; 87:1497-8. [PMID: 26421454 DOI: 10.1590/0001-37652015873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W A Kellner
- Departamento de Geologia e Paleontologia, Museu Nacional, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BR
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11
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Robeck TR, Willis K, Scarpuzzi MR, O’Brien JK. Comparisons of life-history parameters between free-ranging and captive killer whale ( Orcinus orca) populations for application toward species management. J Mammal 2015; 96:1055-1070. [PMID: 26937049 PMCID: PMC4668992 DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Data collected on life-history parameters of known-age animals from the northern (NR) and southern resident (SR) killer whales (Orcinus orca) of the eastern North Pacific were compared with life-history traits of killer whales located at SeaWorld (SEA) facilities. For captive-born SEA animals, mean age and body length at 1st estrus was 7.5 years and 483.7cm, respectively. Estimated mean age at 1st conception was different (P < 0.001) for the combined data from both northern and southern resident (NSR) free-ranging populations (12.1 years) compared to SEA (9.8 years), as was the estimated mean age at 1st observed calf (SEA: 11.1 years, NSR: 14.2 years, P < 0.001). Average calf survival rate to 2 years of age for SEA animals (0.966) was significantly greater (P = 0.04) than that for SR (0.799). Annual survival rate (ASR) for SEA increased over approximately 15-year increments with rates in the most recent period (2000-2015 ASR: 0.976) improved (P < 0.05) over the first 2 periods of captivity (1965-1985: 0.906; 1985-2000: 0.941). The SR (0.966) and NR ASR (0.977) were higher (P ≤ 0.05) than that of SEA until 2000, after which there were no inter-population differences. Based on ASR, median and average life expectancy were 28.8 and 41.6 years (SEA: 2000-2015), 20.1 and 29.0 years (SR), and 29.3 and 42.3 years (NR), respectively. The ASR for animals born at SEA (0.979) was higher (P = 0.02) than that of wild-caught SEA animals (0.944) with a median and average life expectancy of 33.1 and 47.7 years, respectively. These data present evidence for similar life-history parameters of free-ranging and captive killer whale populations and the reproductive potential and survivorship patterns established herein have application for use in future research concerning the overall health of both populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin Willis
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, 2595 Ingraham Road, San Diego, CA 92019, USA (TRR, JKO)
- Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA (KW)
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92019, USA (MRS)
| | - Michael R. Scarpuzzi
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, 2595 Ingraham Road, San Diego, CA 92019, USA (TRR, JKO)
- Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA (KW)
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92019, USA (MRS)
| | - Justine K. O’Brien
- SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, 2595 Ingraham Road, San Diego, CA 92019, USA (TRR, JKO)
- Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA (KW)
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92019, USA (MRS)
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12
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Melero M, Rodríguez-Prieto V, Rubio-García A, García-Párraga D, Sánchez-Vizcaíno JM. Thermal reference points as an index for monitoring body temperature in marine mammals. BMC Res Notes 2015; 8:411. [PMID: 26338544 PMCID: PMC4559927 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1383-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Monitoring body temperature is essential in veterinary care as minor variations may indicate dysfunction. Rectal temperature is widely used as a proxy for body temperature, but measuring it requires special equipment, training or restraining, and it potentially stresses animals. Infrared thermography is an alternative that reduces handling stress, is safer for technicians and works well for untrained animals. This study analysed thermal reference points in five marine mammal species: bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus); beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas); Patagonian sea lion (Otaria flavescens); harbour seal (Phoca vitulina); and Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens). Results The thermogram analysis revealed that the internal blowhole mucosa temperature is the most reliable indicator of body temperature in cetaceans. The temperatures taken during voluntary breathing with a camera held perpendicularly were practically identical to the rectal temperature in bottlenose dolphins and were only 1 °C lower than the rectal temperature in beluga whales. In pinnipeds, eye temperature appears the best parameter for temperature control. In these animals, the average times required for temperatures to stabilise after hauling out, and the average steady-state temperature values, differed according to species: Patagonian sea lions, 10 min, 31.13 °C; harbour seals, 10 min, 32.27 °C; Pacific walruses, 5 min, 29.93 °C. Conclusions The best thermographic and most stable reference points for monitoring body temperature in marine mammals are open blowhole in cetaceans and eyes in pinnipeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Melero
- VISAVET Center, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, Avenida Puerta de Hierro, s/n., 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Víctor Rodríguez-Prieto
- VISAVET Center, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, Avenida Puerta de Hierro, s/n., 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana Rubio-García
- VISAVET Center, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, Avenida Puerta de Hierro, s/n., 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Daniel García-Párraga
- Veterinary Services, Oceanografic, Parques Reunidos Valencia, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, 46013, Valencia, Spain.
| | - José Manuel Sánchez-Vizcaíno
- VISAVET Center, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, Avenida Puerta de Hierro, s/n., 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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13
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Becegato EZ, Andrade JP, Guimarães JP, Vergara-Parente JE, Miglino MA, Silva FMDOE. Reproductive morphology of female Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis). AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2015. [PMID: 26221989 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201520140432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The reproductive morphology of cetaceans is poorly studied and, despite the large number of strandings, reports on this subject are scarce due to access to carcasses mostly in an advanced state of decomposition. The present study aimed to describe histological characteristics of the female genital tract of Sotalia guianensis, in order to assist in future studies on the reproductive biology of these animals. Females of different ages, from stranding events on beaches in northeastern Brazil, were used. Fragments of all organs were collected and processed for light and scanning electron microscopy. Histological analyses showed that these structures were similar to those found in terrestrial mammals, with some peculiarities, such as the presence of differentiated cells in the vulvar subepidermal layer, not described in the literature on cetaceans. Reproductive studies with a morphological description of the female genital organs are extremely important, since they would enable a better understanding of the species reproductive physiology and assist in the development of new strategies for the species conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estella Z Becegato
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Janaina P Andrade
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Juliana P Guimarães
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Jociery E Vergara-Parente
- Núcleo de Estudo dos Efeitos Antropogênicos nos Recursos Marinhos, Fundação Mamíferos Aquáticos, Aracaju, SE, BR
| | - Maria Angelica Miglino
- Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR
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