Effect of housing and environmental enrichment on adrenocortical activity, behavior and reproductive cyclicity in the female tigrina (Leopardus tigrinus) and margay (Leopardus wiedii)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20139.abs The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different captive housing conditions on reproductive cyclicity and adrenocortical activity in adult females of two small-sized felid species, the tigrina (Leopardus tigrinus; n = 3) and margay (Leopardus wiedii; n = 2). Females were housed as singletons and subjected to three enclosure […]
Use of salivary steroid analyses to assess ovarian cycles in an Indian rhinoceros at the National Zoological Park
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20028.abs Saliva samples were collected from a female Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) housed at the National Zoological Park, and ether-extracted for analyses of androgen, estrogen, and progestin metabolites to assess ovarian cycles. Analyses of both salivary androgens and estrogens were found to reliably monitor follicular activity. Although the temporal patterns of the two steroids […]
Reproductive endocrine responses to photoperiod and exogenous gonadotropins in the pallas’ cat (Otocolobus manul)
Abstract Fecal samples were collected for 14–26 months from three male and six female Pallas’ cats (Otocolobus manul) to examine gonadal steroidogenic activity in response to changes in photoperiod and treatment with exogenous gonadotropins. Females exhibited a seasonal anestrus from May–December, excreting consistently low concentrations of fecal estrogens (overall mean, 50.2±8.5 ng/g). During the breeding […]
Hormonal and behavioral correlates of estrus in captive giant pandas
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10047.abs Variability in female estrus expression has been identified as a barrier to captive panda reproduction [Lindburg and Millard, 1995]. In China, researchers have reported that 80% of female giant pandas in captivity exhibit “weak estrus,” or “the absence of overt estrous behavior” [Shuling et al., 1997]. Previous research on the reproductive endocrinology and […]
Comparative analysis of gonadal and adrenal activity in the black and white rhinoceros in North America by noninvasive endocrine monitoring
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10028.abs Patterns of fecal reproductive steroid metabolites and adrenal corticoids were characterized for 12- to 24-month periods in black (n = 10 male, 16 female) and white (n = 6 male, 13 female) rhinoceroses at 14 institutions. All black rhinoceros females exhibited at least some ovarian cyclicity on the basis of fecal progestogen analysis […]
Reproductive steroid hormones and ovarian activity in felids of the Leopardus genus
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1010.abs Reproductive endocrine patterns were characterized in female ocelots (Leopardus pardalis; n = 3), tigrinas (Leopardus tigrinus; n = 2), and margays (Leopardus wiedii; n = 2) housed in captivity in southern Brazil. Females were maintained as singletons and exposed to natural fluctuations in photoperiod. Cyclic changes in ovarian steroids were monitored by analyzing […]
Steroid metabolism and validation of noninvasive endocrine monitoring in the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus)
Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1997)16:63.3.CO;2-W The purpose of this study was to validate noninvasive endocrine monitoring techniques for African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and to establish physiological validity of these methods by evaluating longitudinal reproductive-endocrine profiles in captive individuals. To determine the primary excretory by-products of ovarian steroid metabolism, [14C]-progesterone and [3H]-estradiol were co-administered to a female and […]
Endocrine profiles during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in the Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430130203.abs Serum samples were collected 1–3 times weekly from two Baird’s tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) for 6 months in 1987–1988, and for more than 3 consecutive years beginning in 1989 to characterize hormone patterns during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Based on serum progesterone concentrations, mean (±SEM) duration of the estrous cycle (n = 20) […]
Sexual behavior of male pigs
Two major characteristics of males that affect the likelihood of achieving copulation are the sexual motivation and mating competency of the male. The behavior of domestic animals, including their sexual behavior, is dependent upon a complex interaction between the organism’s internal and external environment. In male pigs, as in other mammalian species, it is clear […]
Hormonal Correlates of Paternal Care Differences in the Hylobatidae
Only one of the 15 species of monogamous hylobatids, the siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus), demonstrates direct paternal care in the form of infant-carrying, providing a unique model for examining hormonal correlates of paternal care differences between siamangs and gibbons. We used behavioral data and fecal hormone analysis to investigate (1) differences in monthly percent father–infant proximity […]