toggle visibility Search & Display Options

Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print
  Records Links
Author Ganswindt, A.; Palme, R.; Heistermann, M.; Borragan, S.; Hodges, J.K. openurl 
  Title Non-invasive assessment of adrenocortical function in the male African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and its relation to musth Type Journal Article
  Year 2003 Publication General and Comparative Endocrinology Abbreviated Journal Gen Comp Endocrinol  
  Volume 134 Issue 2 Pages 156-166  
  Keywords Adrenal Cortex/*metabolism/secretion; Adrenal Cortex Function Tests/methods/*veterinary; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/physiology; Animals; Carbon Isotopes/diagnostic use; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/veterinary; Elephants/*metabolism/urine; Feces/*chemistry; Glucocorticoids/analysis/urine; Hydrocortisone/*analysis/diagnostic use/urine; Immunoenzyme Techniques/methods/veterinary; Male; Reproduction/physiology; Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology; Stress, Psychological/diagnosis/*physiopathology; Testosterone/*analysis/diagnostic use/urine  
  Abstract Adult male elephants periodically show the phenomenon of musth, a condition associated with increased aggressiveness, restlessness, significant weight reduction and markedly elevated androgen levels. It has been suggested that musth-related behaviours are costly and that therefore musth may represent a form of physiological stress. In order to provide data on this largely unanswered question, the first aim of this study was to evaluate different assays for non-invasive assessment of adrenocortical function in the male African elephant by (i) characterizing the metabolism and excretion of [3H]cortisol (3H-C) and [14C]testosterone (14C-T) and (ii) using this information to evaluate the specificity of four antibodies for determination of excreted cortisol metabolites, particularly with respect to possible cross-reactions with androgen metabolites, and to assess their biological validity using an ACTH challenge test. Based on the methodology established, the second objective was to provide data on fecal cortisol metabolite concentrations in bulls during the musth and non-musth condition. 3H-C (1 mCi) and 14C-T (100 microCi) were injected simultaneously into a 16 year old male and all urine and feces collected for 30 and 86 h, respectively. The majority (82%) of cortisol metabolites was excreted into the urine, whereas testosterone metabolites were mainly (57%) excreted into the feces. Almost all radioactive metabolites recovered from urine were conjugated (86% 3H-C and 97% 14C-T). In contrast, 86% and >99% of the 3H-C and 14C-T metabolites recovered from feces consisted of unconjugated forms. HPLC separations indicated the presence of various metabolites of cortisol in both urine and feces, with cortisol being abundant in hydrolysed urine, but virtually absent in feces. Although all antibodies measured substantial amounts of immunoreactivity after HPLC separation of peak radioactive samples and detected an increase in glucocorticoid output following the ACTH challenge, only two (in feces against 3alpha,11-oxo-cortisol metabolites, measured by an 11-oxo-etiocholanolone-EIA and in urine against cortisol, measured by a cortisol-EIA) did not show substantial cross-reactivity with excreted 14C-T metabolites and could provide an acceptable degree of specificity for reliable assessment of glucocorticoid output from urine and feces. Based on these findings, concentrations of immunoreactive 3alpha,11-oxo-cortisol metabolites were determined in weekly fecal samples collected from four adult bulls over periods of 11-20 months to examine whether musth is associated with increased adrenal activity. Results showed that in each male levels of these cortisol metabolites were not elevated during periods of musth, suggesting that in the African elephant musth is generally not associated with marked elevations in glucocorticoid output. Given the complex nature of musth and the variety of factors that are likely to influence its manifestation, it is clear, however, that further studies, particularly on free-ranging animals, are needed before a possible relationship between musth and adrenal function can be resolved. This study also clearly illustrates the potential problems associated with cross-reacting metabolites of gonadal steroids in EIAs measuring glucocorticoid metabolites. This has to be taken into account when selecting assays and interpreting results of glucocorticoid metabolite analysis, not only for studies in the elephant but also in other species.  
  Address (down) German Primate Centre, Department of Reproductive Biology, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Gottingen, Germany. ganswindt@www.dpz.gdwg.de  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0016-6480 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:14511986 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4085  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Kaseda, Y.; Ogawa, H.; Khalil, A.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Causes of natal dispersal and emigration and their effects on harem formation in Misaki feral horses Type Journal Article
  Year 1997 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 29 Issue 4 Pages 262-266  
  Keywords Age Factors; Animal Migration; Animals; Animals, Wild; *Behavior, Animal/physiology; Female; Horses/*physiology/psychology; Male; Reproduction; Seasons; Sexual Behavior, Animal; *Social Behavior  
  Abstract Misaki feral horses were separated into 2 herds and the difference between dispersal from natal group (natal dispersal) and dispersal from natal area (natal emigration) was studied. The causes of dispersal and emigration and their effects on harem formation were studied 1979-1994. The number of horses ranged from 73 (mature males: 8, mature females: 26, young males: 8, young females: 3, colt foals: 6, filly foals: 10 and geldings: 12) in 1979 and 86 (mature males: 14, mature females: 37, young males: 12, young females: 7, colt foals: 5, filly foals: 7 and geldings: 4) in 1994 when the present study ended. All 29 males which survived to age 4 years and 58 females which survived to age 3 years left their natal or mother groups at age one to 3. Seventeen of 22 dispersing males and 29 of 39 dispersing females left their natal groups around the birth of their siblings and significant correlations were found between natal dispersal and birth of a sibling. The number of emigrating young males correlated negatively and significantly with the total number of young males in another herd and the number of emigrating young females correlated positively and significantly with the total number of young females in the natal herd. All 13 emigrating stallions which survived to age 5 years formed stable harem groups and a significant correlation was found between natal emigration and harem formation. Twenty-three of 35 resident mares formed stable consort relations with harem stallions and a significant correlation was found between residence and formation of stable consort relations.  
  Address (down) Faculty of Agriculture, Miyazaki University, Miyazaki-shi, 889-21, Japan  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:15338905 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4630  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Lee, R.D. doi  openurl
  Title Rethinking the evolutionary theory of aging: transfers, not births, shape senescence in social species Type Journal Article
  Year 2003 Publication Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Abbreviated Journal Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A  
  Volume 100 Issue 16 Pages 9637-9642  
  Keywords Adaptation, Physiological; *Aging; Animals; *Biological Evolution; Demography; Economics; Environment; Fertility; Humans; Life Expectancy; Longevity; Models, Theoretical; Parturition; Population Dynamics; Population Growth; Reproduction  
  Abstract The classic evolutionary theory of aging explains why mortality rises with age: as individuals grow older, less lifetime fertility remains, so continued survival contributes less to reproductive fitness. However, successful reproduction often involves intergenerational transfers as well as fertility. In the formal theory offered here, age-specific selective pressure on mortality depends on a weighted average of remaining fertility (the classic effect) and remaining intergenerational transfers to be made to others. For species at the optimal quantity-investment tradeoff for offspring, only the transfer effect shapes mortality, explaining postreproductive survival and why juvenile mortality declines with age. It also explains the evolution of lower fertility, longer life, and increased investments in offspring.  
  Address (down) Department of Demography, University of California, 2232 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94720-2120, USA. rlee@demog.berkeley.edu  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0027-8424 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:12878733 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5465  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Franceschini, C.; Siutz, C.; Palme, R.; Millesi, E. doi  openurl
  Title Seasonal changes in cortisol and progesterone secretion in Common hamsters Type Journal Article
  Year 2007 Publication General and Comparative Endocrinology Abbreviated Journal Gen Comp Endocrinol  
  Volume 152 Issue 1 Pages 14-21  
  Keywords Animals; Cortisone/*secretion; Cricetinae/*metabolism; Feces/chemistry; Female; Lactation/physiology; Male; Pregnancy; Progesterone/*secretion; Reproduction/physiology; *Seasons; Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology  
  Abstract In this study, we investigated endocrine factors and behaviour in free-living Common hamsters (Cricetus cricetus) during reproductive and non-reproductive periods of the annual cycle. We applied a non-invasive method to gain information on seasonal changes in adrenocortical activity in male and female hamsters by analysing faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations (FCM). In addition, plasma progesterone concentrations were monitored in females throughout the non-hibernation season. The animals were live-trapped from spring emergence until the onset of hibernation in autumn. Reproductive status was determined at capture and blood and faecal samples were collected. During behavioural observations, agonistic and sexual interactions were recorded. FCM concentrations were significantly higher in males than in females during the reproductive period. In males, a pronounced increase in FCM during the reproductive period coincided with high frequencies of intrasexual aggression. In females, FCM levels remained relatively constant. Aggressive behaviour in females increased during the reproductive period, but was much less frequent than in males. Females, which successfully raised a second litter after a postpartum oestrus and concurrent lactation and gestation had lower FCM levels than individuals, which lost their second litter after parturition. As expected, plasma progesterone concentrations were low before and after the reproductive period. During gestation, levels peaked and remained elevated during lactation. The results of this field study provide insight in critical periods associated with reproduction in male and female Common hamsters.  
  Address (down) Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. claudia.franceschini@univie.ac.ct  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0016-6480 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17408667 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4076  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Swanson, J.C. openurl 
  Title Farm animal well-being and intensive production systems Type Journal Article
  Year 1995 Publication Journal of Animal Science Abbreviated Journal J. Anim Sci.  
  Volume 73 Issue 9 Pages 2744-2751  
  Keywords Animal Husbandry/legislation & jurisprudence/*standards; Animal Rights/legislation & jurisprudence/standards; Animal Welfare/legislation & jurisprudence/*standards; Animals; Animals, Domestic/*growth & development/*physiology; Breeding/legislation & jurisprudence/*standards; Cattle; Chickens; Environment; Reproduction/physiology; Sheep; Swine  
  Abstract Animal welfare, or well-being, is a social issue with ethical, scientific, political, and aesthetic properties. Answering questions about the welfare of animals requires scientific definition, assessment, solutions, and public acceptance. With respect to the actual well-being of the animal, most issues are centered on how the animal “feels” when managed within a specific level of confinement, during special agricultural practices (e.g., tail docking, beak trimming, etc.) and handling. Questions of this nature may require exploration of animal cognition, motivation, perception, and emotional states in addition to more commonly recognized indicators of well-being. Several general approaches have emerged for solving problems concerning animal well-being in intensive production systems: environmental, genetic, and therapeutic. Environmental approaches involve modifying existing systems to accommodate specific welfare concerns or development of alternative systems. Genetic approaches involve changing the behavioral and (or) physiological nature of the animal to reduce or eliminate behaviors that are undesirable within intensive system. Therapeutic approaches of a physical (tail docking, beak trimming) and physiological (drug and nutritional therapy) nature bring both concern and promise with regard to the reduction of confinement stress. Finally, the recent focus on commodity quality assurance programs may indirectly provide benefits for animal well-being. Although research in the area of animal well-being will provide important information for better animal management, handling, care, and the physical design of intensive production systems there is still some uncertainty regarding public acceptance. The aesthetics of modern intensive production systems may have as much to do with public acceptance as with science.  
  Address (down) Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506, USA  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0021-8812 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:8582867 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 2752  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Amdam, G.V.; Csondes, A.; Fondrk, M.K.; Page, R.E.J. doi  openurl
  Title Complex social behaviour derived from maternal reproductive traits Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Nature Abbreviated Journal Nature  
  Volume 439 Issue 7072 Pages 76-78  
  Keywords Aging/physiology; Animals; Bees/*physiology; *Evolution; Feeding Behavior/*physiology; Female; Infertility, Female; Maternal Behavior/*physiology; Ovary/physiology; Pollen/metabolism; Reproduction/*physiology; *Social Behavior  
  Abstract A fundamental goal of sociobiology is to explain how complex social behaviour evolves, especially in social insects, the exemplars of social living. Although still the subject of much controversy, recent theoretical explanations have focused on the evolutionary origins of worker behaviour (assistance from daughters that remain in the nest and help their mother to reproduce) through expression of maternal care behaviour towards siblings. A key prediction of this evolutionary model is that traits involved in maternal care have been co-opted through heterochronous expression of maternal genes to result in sib-care, the hallmark of highly evolved social life in insects. A coupling of maternal behaviour to reproductive status evolved in solitary insects, and was a ready substrate for the evolution of worker-containing societies. Here we show that division of foraging labour among worker honey bees (Apis mellifera) is linked to the reproductive status of facultatively sterile females. We thereby identify the evolutionary origin of a widely expressed social-insect behavioural syndrome, and provide a direct demonstration of how variation in maternal reproductive traits gives rise to complex social behaviour in non-reproductive helpers.  
  Address (down) Arizona State University, School of Life Sciences, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA. Gro.Amdam@asu.edu  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1476-4687 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:16397498 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 531  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Keiper, R.; Houpt, K. openurl 
  Title Reproduction in feral horses: an eight-year study Type Journal Article
  Year 1984 Publication American journal of veterinary research Abbreviated Journal Am J Vet Res  
  Volume 45 Issue 5 Pages 991-995  
  Keywords Abortion, Veterinary/epidemiology; Anestrus; Animal Population Groups/*physiology; Animals; Animals, Wild/*physiology; Birth Rate; Female; Fertility; Horse Diseases/epidemiology; Horses/*physiology; Lactation; Male; Maryland; Pregnancy; *Reproduction; Seasons; Sex Ratio; Virginia  
  Abstract The reproductive rate and foal survival of the free-ranging ponies on Assateague Island National Seashore were studied for 8 years, 1975 to 1982. Most (52%) of the 86 foals were born in May, 13% were born in April, 22.6% in June, 10.4% in July, and less than 1% in August and September. The mean foaling rate was 57.1 +/- 3.9% and the survival rate was 88.3 +/- 3.6%. Forty-eight colts and 55 fillies were born (sex ratio 53% female). Mares less than 3 years old did not foal and the foaling rate of 3-year-old mares was only 23%, that of 4-year-old mares was 46%, that of 5-year-old mares was 53%, and 6-year-old mares was 69%. The relatively poor reproduction rate was believed to be a consequence of the stress of lactating while carrying a foal when forage quality on the island was low. The hypothesis was supported by the higher reproductive rate (74.4 +/- 2.4%) of the ponies in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on the southern part of the island. Their foals are weaned and sold in July each year. Despite the low reproductive rate on Assateague Island National Seashore , the number of ponies increased from 43 to 80, a 90% increase in the 8-year period or greater than 10%/yr. There were 24 deaths and 8 dispersals from the study area.  
  Address (down)  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0002-9645 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:6732036 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 665  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Klingel, H. openurl 
  Title Social organization and reproduction in equids Type Journal Article
  Year 1975 Publication Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Supplement Abbreviated Journal J Reprod Fertil Suppl  
  Volume Issue 23 Pages 7-11  
  Keywords Animals; Behavior, Animal; Female; Male; Perissodactyla/*physiology; Reproduction; *Sexual Behavior, Animal; Social Behavior; Territoriality  
  Abstract There are two distinct types of social organization and, accordingly, two types of mating systems in equids. In the horse, Plains zebra and Mountain zebra, the adults live in non-territorial and cohesive one-male groups and in stallion groups. The family stallions have exclusive mating rights which are respected by all others. In Grevy's zebra and in the African and Asiatic wild asses, the stallions are permanently territorial and have exclusive mating rights within their territories. Ecological and evolutionary aspects are discussed.  
  Address (down)  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0449-3087 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:1060868 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 2303  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Westlin-van Aarde, L.M.; van Aarde, R. J.; Skinner, J. D. doi  openurl
  Title Reproduction in female Hartmann's zebra Type Journal Article
  Year 1988 Publication Journal of Reproduction and Fertility Abbreviated Journal J Reprod Fert  
  Volume 84 Issue Pages 505-511  
  Keywords zebra; reproduction; ovaries; seasonality; progesterone  
  Abstract Ovaries, fetuses and plasma were collected from zebra mares shot in the Etosha National Park in Namibia between 15 and 25 August 1983. Ovarian weight was affected by reproductive status and most of the non-pregnant mares were anoestrous. The number of follicles varied between individuals and only pro-oestrous/oestrous mares had follicles larger than 20 mm in diameter. The largest follicle in pregnant mares was only 9 mm in diameter. Corpora lutea and corpora albicantia were found in non-pregnant as well as pregnant mares: 4 pregnant mares had only corpora albicantia. The presence of secondary corpora lutea could not be confirmed in any of the pregnant mares. Implantation was estimated to occur at around 73 days of gestation, and most mares (84%) had conceived between November and April. Peripheral concentrations of plasma progesterone during pregnancy varied from 0·5 to 2·4 ng/ml.  
  Address (down)  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes from Professor Hans Klingels Equine Reference List Approved yes  
  Call Number Serial 1705  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Henneke, D.R.; Potter, G.D.; Kreider, J.L.; Yeates, B.F. doi  openurl
  Title Relationship between condition score, physical measurements and body fat percentage in mares Type Journal Article
  Year 1983 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 15 Issue 4 Pages 371-372  
  Keywords *Adipose Tissue; Animals; Biometry; Body Weight; Female; Heart/anatomy & histology; Horses/anatomy & histology/*physiology; *Reproduction  
  Abstract  
  Address (down)  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:6641685 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 2299  
Permanent link to this record
Select All    Deselect All
 |   | 
Details
   print