Seasonal ovulatory activity and plasma prolactin concentrations in the Spanish ibex(Capra pyrenaica hispanica) maintained in captivity

Abstract

-Seasonal changes in ovulatory activity, assessed by the measurement of plasma progesterone and plasma prolactin concentrations were monitored in 10 Spanish ibex females captured in the National Wildlife Reserve of Sierra Nevada (South Spain, 37º N). Five of the 10 female ibex showed ovulatory activity with a mean (± s.e.m.) duration of the oestrous cycle of 19.4 ± 1 days (range: 17-23 days). On average, the five cyclic females weighed 28 ± 0.9 kg. Progesterone cycles occurred only in animals older than 4 years of age. Ovulatory activity extended from December to January. The duration of the breeding season was 43.2 ± 7.7 days. Ibex females younger than 4 years of age had a body weight lower (P < 0.01) than that of adults and none of them displayed ovulations. Plasma concentrations of prolactin levels were significantly affected by season (P < 0.05), following a trend that was roughly parallel to daylength. The highest values occurred in the spring (119.7 ± 21.4 ng·mL -1 ) and the summer (139.3 ± 19.8 ng·mL -1 ), the lowest values in the autumn (26 ± 7.4 ng·mL -1 ) and in the winter (19.7 ± 3.2 ng·mL -1 ). Our results showed a very restricted breeding season, despite the fact that the Spanish ibex originates from and lives in a temperate latitude, revealing a remarkably good adaptation to the harsh climatic and nutritional conditions of their mountainous habitat.breeding season / ovulation / progesterone

Role of testosterone and photoperiod on seasonal changes in horn growth and sperm variables in the Iberian ibex: a model for polygynous wild bovids

“…It is unclear how photoperiod may regulate horn growth, but recent studies suggest that prolactin, the plasma levels of which follow a trend roughly parallel to day length (Santiago-Moreno et al 2003), may be involved. Certainly, the expression of prolactin receptors in epithelial cells in the horn growth area during spring is increased (Picazo et al 2008).…”

“…This is clearly explained by the seasonal breeding activity in this species. The ibex has a short breeding season that runs from December to February (Santiago-Moreno et al 2003). Semen quality improves in autumn, the number of sperm abnormalities being highest during spring and summer (Coloma et al 2011).…”

Short communication. Synchronization of ovulation and artificial insemination protocol for Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) based in progesterone and cloprostenol

“…Synchronization of ovulation using prostaglandins or its analogues requires the presence of active corpora lutea and thus a previous knowledge of the seasonal ovulatory activity of ibex females (December-January; Santiago-Moreno et al, 2003). The ovulatory activity in Spanish ibex females has been characterised, based on a study or luteal cycles in the ibex, which were determined to have estrous cycle lengths of approximately 19 days (range: 15-23 days; Santiago-Moreno et al, 2007).…”

Short communication. Post-thawing evaluation of Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) epididymal spermatozoa recovered postmortem

“…Sperm samples were obtained in the National Game Reserve of Almijara and Tejeda (Málaga), during the months of December and January, coinciding with the rutting season (Santiago-Moreno et al, 2003), and using 17 animals hunted by stalking. Sperm samples were obtained from a total of 14 male Spanish Ibex aged between 8 and 13 years.…”