Journal article
Characterizing gonadal and adrenal activity by fecal steroid analyses in pygmy rabbits ( Brachylagus idahoensis)
General and comparative endocrinology, Vol.171(3), pp.373-380
2011
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/107879
PMID: 21377469
Abstract
► First assessment of hormone patterns in a leporid other than the domestic rabbit. ► HPLC analyses verified the presence of both cortisol and progesterone in feces. ► Progestagen and glucocorticoid profiles during pregnancy were characterized. ► A spike in progestagens after mating appears to signal a successful copulation. ► Lower glucocorticoids may be associated with higher rates of offspring production.
In 2001, the sudden collapse of the Columbia Basin population of pygmy rabbits prompted the initiation of a captive breeding program to facilitate reintroduction, but reproductive success in captivity has not met expectations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the reproductive and adrenal endocrinology of this endangered rabbit species so that appropriate management strategies could be developed to monitor animal welfare and increase reproduction. Fecal samples were collected from 27 female pygmy rabbits over three breeding and non-breeding seasons. HPLC analyses verified the presence of progesterone in the excreta of pygmy rabbits, but the majority of progestagen metabolites were unidentified polar compounds. By contrast, >70% of glucocorticoid immunoactivity was associated with cortisol. Longitudinal fecal hormone profiles during pregnancy were characterized by a large spike in progestagens shortly after mating, a gradual increase in progestagen and glucocorticoid concentrations throughout gestation and a return of hormones to baseline soon after birth (Day 24). The spike in progestagens 1
day after mating was a significant discovery for this species and appears to provide a reliable means of determining if a successful mating has occurred. Seasonal analyses of hormone excretion found that progestagen baselines did not vary between the breeding and non-breeding seasons, but, as expected, were highest during the breeding season in association with pregnancy. Across seasons, the lowest concentrations of glucocorticoids were associated with the highest rates of offspring production and survival, suggesting a possible link between heightened adrenal activity and lowered reproductive fitness in pygmy rabbits.
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Details
- Title
- Characterizing gonadal and adrenal activity by fecal steroid analyses in pygmy rabbits ( Brachylagus idahoensis)
- Creators
- Candace D Scarlata - North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United StatesBecky A Elias - Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United StatesJohn R Godwin - North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United StatesRoger A Powell - North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United StatesDavid Shepherdson - Oregon Zoo, Portland, OR, United StatesLisa A Shipley - Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United StatesJanine L Brown - Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, VA, United States
- Publication Details
- General and comparative endocrinology, Vol.171(3), pp.373-380
- Academic Unit
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc
- Identifiers
- 99900547154501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article