Patterns of faecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels in captive roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) in relation to reproductive status and season

Kamgang, Vanessa W.; Bennett, Nigel C.; Goot, Annemieke Catharina van der; Majelantle, Tshepiso Lesedi; Ganswindt, André

doi:10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114052

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…In other species, there have been studies that found no positive relationship between fGCM level and pregnancy, such as in plains zebra ( Equus quagga ; Seeber et al, 2018), and there was a study that found a corresponding positive relationship in roan antelope ( Hippotragus equinus ; Kamgang et al, 2022). However, even though there is a positive relationship, the fGCM levels are increasing during the pregnancy and peak during parturition (Kamgang et al, 2022; Rimbach et al, 2013). During this study's fecal sampling period, F1 was in the second to third months of pregnancy and F2 was in the first month of pregnancy.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors affecting captive female giraffe stress response: Male presence, small enclosure, and low temperature

et al. 2023

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To improve animal welfare based on suitable social housing conditions, it is important to understand the factors that trigger high‐stress responses. Wild giraffes live in a fission–fusion society and males and females are rarely in the same herd for a long period. The captive condition of belonging to a herd with the same individuals for months or years is uncommon in nature. To understand the effect of male presence on female stress levels, fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) levels and social interactions in two captive female giraffes were investigated. Additionally, the effect of enclosure size and temperature on fGCM level and social interactions were examined. The results showed no significant difference in the fGCM levels of females based on male presence. The frequency of agonistic behavior by the dominant female toward the subordinate female was significantly increased when a male was present. The subordinate female was significantly less likely to approach the dominant female and showed decreased affiliative and agonistic interactions toward the dominant female when a male was present. The frequencies of agonistic interactions between females were higher in the small enclosure regardless of male presence. Low temperature triggered higher fGCM levels and increased agonistic interaction in an aged female. The findings of this study suggest that these multiple factors should be considered individually to promote the welfare of captive giraffes.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Factors affecting captive female giraffe stress response: Male presence, small enclosure, and low temperature

et al. 2023

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“…, 2021 ), Indian leopards ( Panthera pardus fusca ) ( Panchal et al. , 2022 ), roan antelope ( Hippotragus equinus ) ( Kamgang et al. , 2022 ), African elephant ( Loxodonta africana ) ( Parker et al.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Monitoring the stress physiology of free-ranging mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) across diverse habitats within Central Gujarat, India

Desai,

Bhowmik,

Srinivasan

et al. 2024

Conservation Physiology

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Animals face several challenges in their natural environment, and to cope with such conditions, they may exhibit contrasting physiological responses that directly affect their overall well-being and survival. In this study, we assessed physiological responses via faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) measurements in free-ranging mugger crocodiles inhabiting diverse habitats in Gujarat, India. We sampled muggers within Charotar, a rural area (Zone A) with local people having high tolerance towards the presence of muggers, and Vadodara, a region having both urban (Zone B) and rural (Zone C) areas with high levels of human–mugger conflict (HMC). Further, muggers in Vadodara live in water bodies that are mostly polluted due to sewage disposal from adjoining chemical industries. To measure fGCM (mean ± SEM, ng/g dry faeces) levels in muggers, scats were collected during both breeding (N = 107 scats) and non-breeding (N = 22 scats) seasons from all three zones. We used captive muggers (a focal enclosure) to biologically validate (via capture and restraint) the selected fGCM assay (11-oxoetiocholanolone assay). We showed a significant (P < 0.05) 11-fold increase in fGCM levels between pre-capture (540.9 ± 149.2, N = 11) and post-capture (6259.7 ± 1150.5, N = 11) samples. The validated assay was applied to free-ranging muggers during the breeding season, and Zone A showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower fGCM levels (542.03 ± 71.3) compared to muggers of Zone B (1699.9 ± 180.8) and Zone C (1806.4 ± 243.2), both zones having high levels of HMC with polluted water bodies. A similar contrast in fGCM levels was also observed during the non-breeding season. Overall, the study demonstrated that fGCM levels in muggers varied across habitats, and such variation could be due to a multitude of ecological factors that the species experience in their immediate local environment. Moreover, high fGCM levels in muggers of Vadodara during both breeding and non-breeding seasons may indicate a condition of chronic stress, which could be maladaptive for the species.

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“…In addition, using feces and urine as a hormone matrix over plasma or serum is especially advantageous in small mammals due to restrictions in frequent blood sampling [ 3 ]. Over the last 40 years, studies have examined glucocorticoid metabolite patterns in relation to various potential stressors, e.g., the effect of reproductive activity [ 17 , 18 ], land transformation [ 19 , 20 ], and captivity [ 21 ] in various species.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Validation of Enzyme Immunoassays via an Adrenocorticotrophic Stimulation Test for the Non-Invasive Quantification of Stress-Related Hormone Metabolites in Naked Mole-Rats

Majelantle

Bennett

Ganswindt

et al. 2023

Animals

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Small size in mammals usually restricts long-term, frequent monitoring of endocrine function using plasma as a matrix. Thus, the non-invasive monitoring of hormone metabolite concentrations in excreta may provide an invaluable approach. The aim of the current study was to examine the suitability of enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for monitoring responses to stressors in the naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber, NMR) using urine and feces as hormone matrices. A saline control administration, and a high- and low-dose adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge were performed on six male and six female disperser morph NMRs. The results revealed that a 5α-pregnane-3β,11β,21-triol-20-one EIA detecting glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs) with a 5α-3β-11β-diol structure is the most suitable assay for measuring concentrations in male urine samples, whereas an 11-oxoaetiocholanolone EIA detecting GCMs with a 5β-3α-ol-11-one structure appears the most suitable EIA for quantifying GCMs in female urine. An 11-oxoaetiocholanolone EIA detecting 11,17 dioxoandrostanes was the most suitable EIA for quantifying GCMs in the feces of both sexes. There were sex-related differences in response to the high- and low-dose ACTH challenge. We recommend using feces as a more suitable matrix for non-invasive GCM monitoring for NMRs which can be valuable when investigating housing conditions and other welfare aspects.

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Patterns of faecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels in captive roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus) in relation to reproductive status and season

Cited by 3 publications

References 72 publications

Factors affecting captive female giraffe stress response: Male presence, small enclosure, and low temperature

Factors affecting captive female giraffe stress response: Male presence, small enclosure, and low temperature

Monitoring the stress physiology of free-ranging mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) across diverse habitats within Central Gujarat, India

Validation of Enzyme Immunoassays via an Adrenocorticotrophic Stimulation Test for the Non-Invasive Quantification of Stress-Related Hormone Metabolites in Naked Mole-Rats

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