Early growth and bone mineralization of the iguanid lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis in captivity: Is vitamin D3 supplementation or ultraviolet B irradiation necessary?
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430100504.abs The insectivorous, heliophilic iguanid lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis, was used in this study. Eight groups of field-collected juveniles were subjected to different doses of ultraviolet-B radiation or were fed crickets maintained on different diets with varying amounts of vitamin D3 and other nutrients. The crickets fed to all groups were dusted with calcium carbonate […]
Absence of daily cycles in plasma sex steroids in male and female tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), and the effects of acute capture stress on females
The possible existence of daily cycles in plasma concentrations of sex steroids was examined in wild male and female tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). Samples were collected from freshly captured animals at dusk, middle of the night, dawn, and middle of the day in January (summer) and July (winter). Males showed daily cycles in mean body temperature […]
Plasma corticosterone and testosterone levels during the annual reproductive cycle of male brown anoles (Anolis sagrei)
The objective of the present study was to determine the plasma levels of testosterone and corticosterone in male Anolis sagrei during the annual reproductive cycle and to examine the relationships between seasonal change in the levels of these hormones, male reproductive activity, and body condition. Both testosterone and corticosterone levels in adult males captured in […]
Characterization of Milk Cortisol Concentrations as a Measure of Short-Term Stress Responses in Lactating Dairy Cows
This study compares cortisol concentrations in plasma and milk over a time-span of 1-4h following injection of an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) or a physiological stressor. Its aim was to characterize the usefulness of milk cortisol concentrations as short-term measures of acute stress. Experiment 1: three groups of lactating cows (Groups B – D; n = […]
Measuring faecal glucocorticoid metabolites as a non-invasive tool for monitoring adrenocortical activity in South American camelids
The welfare and productivity of South American camelids may be affected by stressful events. The purpose of this study was to validate a non-invasive method for stress monitoring using faecal samples and to apply it to evaluate a stressful event, such as confinement. For physiological validation, nine alpacas (Vicugna pacos) and six llamas (Lama glama) […]
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 […]