Assessing reproductive status in orang-utans by using urinary estrone
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430100303.abs The aim of this work was to compare normal menstrual cycle patterns of urinary estrone excretion in orang-utans with those of an orang-utan in her late 40s, an orang-utan before and after rehabilitation for anorexia, and an orang-utan during prolonged lactation. A detailed menstrual and sexual activity record was kept for each orang-utan […]
Avoidance of physical activity is a sensitive indicator of illness
Although fever and sickness behavior are common responses to infection, it has been proposed that the sickness behaviors associated with infection, in particular lethargy and fatigue, may be more valuable clinical markers of illness and recovery in patients, than is body temperature alone. Measuring abdominal temperature, food intake and wheel running we therefore determined the […]
Sickness behaviours in ducks include anorexia but not lethargy
The characteristics of mammalian sickness behaviour are often conferred on the avian phyla despite there being little scientific evidence that birds change their behaviour when the innate immune system is activated during disease or infection. We used bio-logging techniques to measure activity and feed intake in birds exposed to different pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). […]