An extraction and assay procedure to measure fecal estradiol-17p and progestin concentrations in several cat species was developed and validated for use for noninvasive monitoring of ovarian function. Fecal samples were collected over a range of 3-20 months from female tigers (three), lions (three), snow leopards (three), cheetahs (two), caracals (two), and domestic cats (five). Samples were extracted with 90% methanol, lipids removed with petroleum ether, and the estradiol and progestins in the methanol measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) fractionation and subsequent RIA of the fractions indicated that the estradiol-17p antiserum cross-reacted primarily with estradiol-17P in the feces of lions and tigers and was assumed to be specific for estradiol-17P in the feces of other species as well. However, there were several immunoreactive compounds, presumably progesterone metabolites, excreted in the feces which varied both quantitatively and qualitatively among species. The behavior of tigers, lions, cheetahs, and caracals was visually monitored during the collection period and frequency of sexual behaviors was positively correlated with increases in fecal estradiol in all species observed. The mean fecal estradiol-17P peaks were as follows: tigers, 128.0 t 13.1; lions, 186.0 5 14.8; snow leopards, 136.7 k 15.9; cheetahs, 140.9 k 9.0; caracals, 24.5 ? 4.0; and domestic cats 158.9 2 19.3 ng/gm. Fecal progestin concentrations rose significantly (P < 0.001) only after breeding or during pregnancy and were as follows: tigers, 5.6 t 0.6; lions, 1.9 t 0.1; cheetahs, 8.4 5 1.1; and caracals, 2.4 5 0.4 pg/gm. Fecal progestins were elevated for one-half to twothirds of the gestation length during presumed pseudopregnancy but remained elevated throughout successful pregnancies. These results suggest that ovarian function can be monitored noninvasively in the family Felidae by the measurement of fecal estradiol-17P and progestin concentrations 0 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Severe stress of a chronic or intermittent duration can have detrimental effects on reproductive processes in animals. These effects are important because of their potential economic implications and because of concerns for animal welfare. The types of stressful situations encountered by farm animals include transportation, overcrowding, poor housing, fighting, and social rank. Oliveriol has emphasized the integrated response of the hypothalamo-adenohypophyseal-adrenocortical and the sympatho-adrenomedullary systems by farm animals in their adaptation to stressful situations. The role of the adrenocortical system in regard to the stress-mediated influence on reproduction has been the most studied. Little attention has been given to ultradian and circadian variations in adrenocortical hormone secretion and to possible alterations in the rate of clearance of hormones from the circulation during stress2 This brief review will be centered upon the hypothalamo-adenohypophysealadrenocortical axis and its potential impact on the hypothalamo-adenohypophysealgonadal axis in cattle, sheep, pig, and horse. E. Knobil & J. D. Neill, Eds.: 331-385. Raven Press. New York, NY. 17: 355-364. h i m . Reprod. Sci. 7: 245-267. 81: 29-52. 48: 341-345. Veterinary Congress, Rio de Janeiro. Abstract 07. Equiservices. Cross Plains, WI. 6 158-162.

No abstract

Corticotrophin (ACTH), hydrocortisone or prednisolone trimethylacetate were administered daily to sows from 24 hr. before oestrus or from day 14 of the cycle until the end of oestrus. Treatment beginning on day 14 delayed the peak in urinary oestrogen excretion normally seen, postponed the onset of oestrus by 1-3 days and shortened the duration of oestrus. Treatment begun before oestrus did not appear to alter the pattern of oestrogen excretion but shortened the duration of oestrus. Administration of ACTH, but not that of corticosteroids, also interfered with ovulation.

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