Assessing reproductive cycles and pregnancy in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) by vaginal cytology
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1992 |
Authors: |
Cheryl S. Asa, Randall E. Junge, J. Stephen Bircher, Gary A. Noble, Kristen J. Sarri, Edward D. Plotka |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
captive breeding, cat, felid, ovarian cycle |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430110303.abs Vaginal cytology was used to monitor ovarian cycles, two pregnancies, and three pseudopregnancies. Vaginal smears were collected two or three times per week from three adult females; smears plus blood samples were collected once per week from a fourth, adolescent female. Mean cycle lengths, based on intervals between onset of leukocyte infusions, were 11.9 ± 4.9 days (n = 43 cycles), 10.8 ± 5.1 days (n = 49), and 12.3 ± 6.3 days (n = 7) for the three females. Weekly hormone data from the adolescent female revealed a correlation between serum estradiol and percent anuclear cells, suggesting that these cells may be indicative of estrus. The fourth female experienced two sustained, 6-week increases in serum progesterone, one spontaneous and the other following follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) administration. Leukocyte infusions continued during these periods of increased progesterone secretion. However, leukocyte infusions ceased during the two pregnancies of one adult female and during two FSH-induced pseudopregnancies of another. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.