Noninvasive monitoring of female reproductive hormone metabolites in the endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola)

Nagl, Astrid; Kneidinger, Nadja; Kiik, Kairi; Lindeberg, Heli; Maran, Tiit; Schwarzenberger, Franz

doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.023

Cited by 12 publications

(6 citation statements)

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“…Some indicators of reproductive function in animals have been successfully determined using fecal progesterone evaluations [ 5 , 8 , 16 , 40 ]. Non-invasive methodologies allow for long-term monitoring of endocrine parameters without necessarily causing undue disturbance to the animal under investigation [ 27 , 45 ]. Results of progesterone metabolite evaluations that are used in assessment in fecal samples from several animals species are presented in Table-1 [ 2 , 7 , 8 , 14 - 17 , 20 , 21 , 25 , 39 , 40 , 42 , 44 , 46 - 70 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Results of progesterone metabolite evaluations that are used in assessment in fecal samples from several animals species are presented in Table-1 [ 2 , 7 , 8 , 14 - 17 , 20 , 21 , 25 , 39 , 40 , 42 , 44 , 46 - 70 ]. Fecal progesterone metabolite analysis has so far been applied in several species of animals, namely whales [ 8 ], deer [ 16 , 45 ], cattle [ 25 ], goats [ 30 ], sheep [ 46 ], felids [ 71 ], rhinoceros [ 72 ], hamsters [ 47 ], elephant [ 48 ], gazelle [ 49 ] and baboons [ 73 ], and hippopotamus [ 50 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Opportunities and challenges associated with fecal progesterone metabolite analysis

et al. 2018

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Conventionally, plasma or milk progesterone evaluations are used to determine the reproductive status of female animals. Collection of such samples is often associated with difficulties of animal handling and restraint. Measurable quantities of progesterone metabolites are found in feces of animals. Their concentrations are known to be well correlated to plasma progesterone levels and are, therefore, used as non-invasive samples for assessing reproductive function in a wide range of animal species. Although the analysis of fecal progesterone metabolites has been widely accepted in many laboratories, several factors are known to affect the results from this valuable analytical technique. Some of these factors include storage/transportation media for fecal samples, type of solvent that is used for extraction of progesterone metabolites from feces, and the type and sensitivity of an assaying technique employed. Although fecal progesterone metabolites analysis is associated with some difficulties, it can effectively be used to monitor reproductive function in a wide range of animal species. This review aims to highlight the usefulness of fecal progesterone metabolite analysis as a non-invasive technique in monitoring reproductive function in animals. The article mainly focuses on the many opportunities and challenges associated with this analytical technique.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Opportunities and challenges associated with fecal progesterone metabolite analysis

et al. 2018

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“…So far, the only black-footed ferret, Iberian lynx, and giant panda have exploited reproductive sciences for conservation programs 2 , 3 . To successfully breed individuals via conservation breeding programs, the selection of reproductive pairs based on their genetic importance in the extant population status is critical 110 . Therefore, the diagnosis of early pregnancy would be of great interest.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

New horizons in the reproductive biology of Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) using the gonadal hormonal profile

Arora,

Pei,

Chin

2023

Sci Rep

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The reproductive uniqueness of pangolins has been documented through diverse biological reports with discernible data discrepancies in gestation, copulation, and pregnancy. These mechanistic reproductive differences have yet to be endocrinologically quantified, which could assist in optimizing natural breeding in zoos to recover endangered species. The present research characterizes the Chinese pangolin's annual seasonal reproductive pattern by measuring immunoreactive estrogens and progestagens in 34 captive females and testosterone in 29 captive males. Our results showed that Chinese pangolins are seasonal breeders, with most births witnessed during Sept–Dec, overlapping with the field records. Females exhibited spontaneous ovulation and post-partum ovulation. Pregnant females exhibited a higher P4 level for ~ 9 months (Jan–Sept) and decreased before parturition (Oct–Dec). The circulating E2 is maintained at the baseline in pregnant females year-round. Contrastingly, in non-pregnant females, P4 is maintained at the baseline, apart from a slight elevation in January, and E2 demonstrates a sudden hike from November and remains elevated until February, suggesting the onset of ovulation. The serum testosterone concentration in males peaked during October, which is in sync with the female ovulation period. As a result that their major reproductive events, ovulation, mating, and parturition, all transpire in November-March. Evidence also supports that Chinese pangolins exhibit signs of postimplantation (pregnancy) ranging only from 5 to 6 months (May–Oct), preceded by possible facultative delay implantation triggered by lactation. The provided data not only fill in the knowledge gap for this critically endangered species but can also assist in making informed decisions, which can directly affect the successful breeding of this species in captivity.

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“…After 42 days of gestation litters are born in May to June. Dispersal occurs when the animals are fully grown, at the age of 2.5–4 months, where after territories are established (Youngman 1990; Amstislavsky et al 2009; Maran et al, 2009; Nagl et al 2015). The European mink is extinct in most parts of its former distribution area.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The influence of spatiotemporal conditions and personality on survival in reintroductions–evolutionary implications

et al. 2016

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Personality exists in non-human animals and can impact fitness. There is, however, a shortage of empirical studies in certain areas within the field, and fundamental evolutionary theory on personality remains largely untested. For example, little is known on how variation in personality is maintained over evolutionary time. Theory suggests that fluctuating selection pressures due to spatiotemporal variation in conditions, e.g. food availability, is a possible mechanism and a few studies have shown that the success of different personality types varies with spatiotemporal conditions. However, it remains unknown whether different mechanisms can maintain personality within a species. Here we use a reintroduction programme for the critically endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola) to test whether multiple personality trait domains (boldness, exploration and sociability) affected survival in two different years and islands. This was done through pre-release personality tests and post-release radio-tracking monitoring. Survival was positively correlated with boldness, whereas the relationship with exploration was either negative or positive depending on year/island. The results show a complex relationship between personality and survival and suggest that exploration can be maintained over evolutionary time via spatiotemporal variation in conditions. However, in contrast to exploration, boldness did not vary spatiotemporally and sociability had no impact on survival. This indicates that different personality trait domains might be maintained by different mechanisms. To date, personality has been studied primarily within behavioural sciences, but through empirical findings we highlight the importance of personality also in ecology and conservation biology.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00442-016-3740-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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Noninvasive monitoring of female reproductive hormone metabolites in the endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola)

Cited by 12 publications

References 34 publications

Opportunities and challenges associated with fecal progesterone metabolite analysis

Opportunities and challenges associated with fecal progesterone metabolite analysis

New horizons in the reproductive biology of Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) using the gonadal hormonal profile

The influence of spatiotemporal conditions and personality on survival in reintroductions–evolutionary implications

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