Ovarian and immunological responses to alternating exogenous gonadotropin regimens in the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and tigrina (Leopardus tigrinus)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20049.abs Exogenous gonadotropins frequently are used to stimulate ovarian follicular growth and ovulation in mammalian species, including felids. However, repeated exogenous gonadotropin treatment can result in decreased ovarian responsiveness due to antibody formation. In this study, our objectives were to assess the effectiveness of alternating gonadotropin regimens on ovarian responses in ocelots and tigrinas, […]
Effects of environmental enrichment on males of a docile inbred strain of mice
Environmental enrichment is intended to improve the welfare of laboratory animals. However, regarding male mice, numerous studies indicate an increase in aggressive behavior due to cage structuring. On the one hand, this might be a problem concerning animal welfare. On the other hand, enrichment is though to hamper environmental standardization and to increase variability of […]
Effects of different forms of environmental enrichment on behavioral, endocrinological, and immunological parameters in male mice
This study investigated effects of different forms of environmental enrichment on behavioral, endocrinological, and immunological parameters in male mice. For this purpose, animals of the inbred strain CS were kept in groups of four males under three different housing conditions: (A) nonstructured Makrolon type III laboratory cages (“standard-housing” = S); (B) equivalent laboratory cages that […]
Improving adjuvant systems for polyclonal egg yolk antibody (IgY) production in laying hens in terms of productivity and animal welfare
The antibody production in the egg yolks of immunized laying hens is seen as a way of improving animal welfare compared with conventional production by mammals. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) technology, however, has still to address welfare issues linked to the widespread use of an adjuvant in vaccines. Currently, Freund’s adjuvants, complete (FCA) or incomplete (FIA), […]
EFFECTS OF “SWIM WITH THE TURTLES” TOURIST ATTRACTIONS ON GREEN SEA TURTLE (CHELONIA MYDAS) HEALTH IN BARBADOS, WEST INDIES
Along the West Coast of Barbados a unique relationship has developed between endangered green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and humans. Fishermen began inadvertently provisioning these foraging turtles with fish offal discarded from their boats. Although initially an indirect supplementation, this activity became a popular attraction for visitors. Subsequently, demand for this activity increased, and direct […]