1
|
King AG, Edwards PD, Cote S, Palme R, Boonstra R, Sicotte P. Assessing stress in wild black-and-white colobus monkeys non-invasively. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 334:114212. [PMID: 36646325 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of glucocorticoid profiles serves as a valuable, multi-faceted tool for insight into the behavior and physiology of wild populations. Recently, the measurement of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FCMs) has exploded in popularity due to its compatibility with noninvasive techniques and remote environments A critical first step is to perform a biological validation to ensure that the assay accurately reflect changes in FCM levels. We use an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to perform a biological validation on samples collected from two males and six females in a wild population of Colobus vellerosus in response to three naturally occurring potential stressors. We also describe the FCM response pattern in the week following parturition in three females and examine the influence of sex, reproductive state, and time of day on the concentrations of baseline samples collected daily from 13 adult individuals over a period of four months. We validated the assay: FCM levels increase in response to natural stressors with a two-day lag. In the two days surrounding parturition, FMC levels increased. Baseline concentrations were affected by collection time and female reproductive state, with lactating females having lower concentrations than pregnant or cycling females. Thus, we successfully carried out the first validation and characterization of FCMs in a wild African colobine. This will serve as an essential foundation for future studies of C. vellerosus and similar wild primates whose objective is to investigate the role glucocorticoids play in responses to social and ecological challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allyson G King
- Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Phoebe D Edwards
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Susanne Cote
- Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudy Boonstra
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Pascale Sicotte
- Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Klintip W, Jarudecha T, Rattanatumhi K, Ritchoo S, Muikaew R, Wangsud S, Sussadee M. First study on stress evaluation and reduction in hospitalized cats after neutering surgery. Vet World 2022; 15:2111-2118. [PMID: 36341062 PMCID: PMC9631363 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2111-2118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim In Thailand, domestic cats are the most common companion animal, and many are admitted to veterinary clinics for neutering surgery; however, such environment can induce stress. This is the first study to evaluate stress in hospitalized cats after neutering surgery using cat stress score (CSS) and salivary cortisol levels, including the impact of providing a hiding box (B) and/or administering a pheromone product to reduce stress. Materials and Methods The study design was based on a randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 80 domestic cats undergoing routine neutering surgery were assessed for their behavioral demeanor scoring system (DSS) as friendly (DSS1) and aggressive (DSS2) based on a DSS. During admission, the cats were randomly allocated to single standard cages with one of the following treatments: (B), feline facial pheromone (P), a combination of hiding box and the pheromone (BP), or no additional enrichment (C). Cat stress score, food intake, and hide-seeking behavior were recorded. The cortisol enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to assess the salivary cortisol level. Results On the 1st day of admission, aggressive cats had a significantly higher CSS (4.16 ± 0.29) than friendly cats (3.27 ± 0.16). Both demeanor cat groups showed statistically significant reductions in stress levels earlier than the control group after providing the enrichments. Saliva cortisol measurements ranged from 0.24 to 0.66 ng/mL. No statistical differences in cortisol levels were observed between the 1st day and other days of admission. In contrast, no differences in food intake and hide-seeking behavior were seen within each group during the same period. Conclusion Results suggested that stress and stress responses in cats depended on behavioral demeanor. The provision of enrichment, including hiding box and feline facial pheromone in singly housed caging reduced stress, especially in aggressive cats. However, salivary cortisol analysis, food intake, and hide-seeking behavior were ineffective for assessing stress in cats after neutering surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Worranan Klintip
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thitichai Jarudecha
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Khwankamon Rattanatumhi
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sudpatchara Ritchoo
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rattana Muikaew
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sakkapop Wangsud
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Metita Sussadee
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nokkaew W, Intarapuk A, Sakulthai A, Wajjwalku W, Thongtip N. Study of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in captive Asian elephants in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. Vet World 2022; 15:647-654. [PMID: 35497973 PMCID: PMC9047137 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.647-654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Over the past two decades, the number of elephant camps in Thailand has increased considerably, and captive elephants have become more popular within the tourism industry. Tourist activities involving elephant exhibitions and trekking potentially affect animal health and welfare. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between a novel stress biomarker, fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (fGCM), and various factors (sex, age, weather season, tourist season, and elephant usage patterns), monitoring the fGCM concentration during and after trekking activities ceased. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples of 20 captive Asian elephants from two camps in Kanchanaburi Province were collected monthly for 1 year. The fGCM concentrations were measured using enzyme immunoassay and evaluated relative to individual demography, season, and tourist trekking activity. The mean differences of fGCMs concentrations were compared by analysis of variance and t-test statistics according to data types with p<0.5. Results: Significant differences in mean fGCM concentrations were found between age categories (p=0.001), trekking and non-trekking animals (p=0.039), and during and after trekking (p=0.023). The mean fGCM concentration of elephants aged during 0-44 years (136.7 ng/g) was significantly higher than for animals over 44 years old (107.7 ng/g), and the elephant trekking group (144.9 ng/g) was significantly higher than the other group (124.7 ng/g). Within the trekking group, the mean fGCM concentrations gradually declined to 129.13 ng/g within 8 months of trekking cessation. Conclusion: Elephant’s ages and activities co-influenced the variance of fGCM concentrations. In addition, permanent tourist activity, especially trekking, can increase elephant stress. This study’s findings can be applied to the health status monitoring of captive elephants and result in improved animal welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weerapun Nokkaew
- Graduate Program in Bio-Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.,Wildlife Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahanakorn University of Technology, Nong Chok, Bangkok 10530, Thailand
| | - Apiradee Intarapuk
- Public Health Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahanakorn University of Technology, Nong Chok, Bangkok 10530, Thailand
| | - Apichaya Sakulthai
- Department of Farm Technology Management, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Panyapiwat Institute of Management, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Worawidh Wajjwalku
- Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhonsithammarat 80160, Thailand
| | - Nikorn Thongtip
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand.,Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand.,Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology (AG-BIO/PERDO-CHE), Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Carlin E, J. Somers M, Scheun J, Campbell R, Ganswindt A. Quantification of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites as a measure of stress in the rock hyrax
Procavia capensis
living in an urban green space. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/wlb3.01011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Carlin
- Mammal Research Inst., Dept of Zoology and Entomology, Univ. of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
| | - M. J. Somers
- Mammal Research Inst., Dept of Zoology and Entomology, Univ. of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Univ. of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
| | - J. Scheun
- Mammal Research Inst., Dept of Zoology and Entomology, Univ. of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
- Dept of Life and Consumer Sciences, Univ. of South Africa Pretoria South Africa
| | - R. Campbell
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Inst. Pretoria South Africa
| | - A. Ganswindt
- Mammal Research Inst., Dept of Zoology and Entomology, Univ. of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jepsen EM, Scheun J, Dehnhard M, Kumar V, Umapathy G, Ganswindt A. Non-invasive monitoring of glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in native Indian, as well as captive and re-wilded tigers in South Africa. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 308:113783. [PMID: 33862051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Over the last century, wild tiger (Panthera tigris) numbers have declined from over 100 000 individuals to fewer than 4 000, with animals now confined to less than 5% of their historic range due to habitat loss, persecution, inadequate management, and poaching. In contrast, 15 000-20 000 tigers are estimated to be housed in captivity, experiencing conditions vastly different than their wild counterparts. A total of 280 tigers are currently held at 44 different facilities within South Africa, including zoos, semi-captive 're-wilded' populations, and pets; these animals provide a unique opportunity to measure the impact of extrinsic factors, found in exotic habitats, on the adrenocortical activity of tigers. By monitoring and comparing stress-related faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations of tigers housed at different locations, and free ranging tigers in natural tiger reserves, this project aimed to get a better understanding of the impact of extrinsic factors on adrenocortical function as a measure of stress. The results of this study showed no significant difference in fGCM concentrations between captive, re-wilded, and free-ranging tigers with the exception of one site. Furthermore, factors such as sex and season were not significant drivers of fGCM concentrations. One study group had elevated fGCM concentrations, showing population variation in the stress response. This indicates that populations are able to cope with exotic environments, however, as population-specific differences in the stress response exist, we suggest management protocols be created for each population. This study offered the unique opportunity to see how well tigers are faring outside of their native range and if having re-wilded tigers in exotic locations is a potential welfare-acceptable management option for tiger conservation globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Jepsen
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Juan Scheun
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, South Africa; National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa
| | - Martin Dehnhard
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Govindhaswamy Umapathy
- Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
| | - André Ganswindt
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|