Stress hormone level and the welfare of captive European bison (Bison bonasus): the effects of visitor pressure and the social structure of herds
Captive European bison (Bison bonasus) play an active role in conservation measures for this species; this includes education, which may conflict with these animals’ welfare. The effect of the presence of visitors on the welfare of captive animals can be negative, positive or neutral. However, the response of a given species to visitors is difficult […]
Effect of Tourist Activities on Fecal and Salivary Glucocorticoids and Immunoglobulin A in Female Captive Asian Elephants in Thailand
Asian elephants have been an important part of wildlife ecotourism in Thailand for over two decades. Elephants in tourist camps are exposed to a variety of management styles and daily activities that can potentially affect health and welfare. This study investigated relationships between a novel welfare biomarker, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and daily camp activities, and […]
Circulating and Excreted Corticosteroids and Metabolites, Hematological, and Serum Chemistry Parameters in the Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) Before and After a Stress Response
Comparisons of circulating and excreted corticosteroid profiles during a biological stress response could provide more data concerning the timing and magnitude of acute hormone changes in different sample matrices. A stress test was performed in 13 zoo-based killer whales (Orcinus orca) whereby animals were elevated out of the water on a rising lift-bottom platform for […]
Measurement of Fecal Testosterone Metabolites in Mice: Replacement of Invasive Techniques
Testosterone is the main reproductive hormone in male vertebrates and conventional methods to measure testosterone rely on invasive blood sampling procedures. Here, we aimed to establish a non-invasive alternative by assessing testosterone metabolites (TMs) in fecal and urinary samples in mice. We performed a radiometabolism study to determine the effects of daytime and sex on […]
Canine coprophagic behavior is influenced by coprophagic cohabitant
Coprophagia is a common canine habit, although it is aversive for human beings. Despite absence of clinical risk to animals and their owners, this behavior may lead the owners to get rid of their dogs. The lack of information and effective corrective methods make it difficult for veterinary clinicians to contribute to eradication of this […]
Use of fecal glucocorticoid metabolite measures in conservation biology research: considerations for application and interpretation
Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite analyses are increasingly being used by a variety of scientists (e.g., conservation biologists, animal scientists) to examine glucocorticoid (i.e., stress hormone) secretion in domestic and wild vertebrates. Adrenocortical activity (i.e., stress response) is of interest to conservation biologists because stress can alter animal behavior, reduce resistance to disease, and affect population performance. […]
An investigation of the relationship between fecal and rumen bacterial concentrations in sheep
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20166.abs With no acceptable method for collecting fresh rumen fluid from zoo ruminants, it was proposed that fecal bacterial concentrations may be correlated with rumen bacteria. If so, fecal bacterial concentrations could be used to study both the effects of diet on rumen bacteria as well as rumen abnormalities. Total and cellulolytic bacterial concentrations […]
Assessment of testicular endocrine function in captive African elephants by measurement of urinary and fecal androgens
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10034.abs Androgen measurements in urine and/or feces represent a potentially important tool for monitoring testicular endocrine function in the African elephant. To assess the feasibility of this approach, the aims of the present study were to: 1) examine the presence and relative abundance of immunoreactive testosterone (iT) and its 5α-reduced 17-oxometabolite epiandrosterone (iEA) in […]
Reproductive endocrine patterns in captive female and male red wolves (Canis rufus) assessed by fecal and serum hormone analysis
Abstract Reproductive steroid profiles in female (n=13) and male (n=5) red wolves (Canis rufus) were characterized in fecal samples collected during the breeding season (December—May) and over a 1 year period, respectively. Blood samples from females (n=12) also were collected during the periovulatory period for luteinizing hormone (LH) and steroid analysis. High performance liquid chromatography […]
Characterization of reproductive cycles and adrenal activity in the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) by fecal hormone analysis
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10001.abs The reproductive cycle of the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) was characterized by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) analysis of ovarian fecal steroids (estradiol, progestins) in 29 females over two consecutive breeding seasons. Estrous status was determined by measuring the vulva size and examining the percentage of superficial cells in vaginal lavages. Mean fecal estradiol concentrations […]