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Author M, E.; östl,.; Messmann, S.; Bagu, E.; Robia, C.; Palme, R. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Measurement of Glucocorticoid Metabolite Concentrations in Faeces of Domestic Livestock Type Journal Article
  Year 1999 Publication Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A Abbreviated Journal J. Vet. Med. A  
  Volume 46 Issue (down) 10 Pages 621-631  
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  Abstract After 14C-labelled cortisol infusion in ponies and pigs, faecal samples were collected. Extraction of 0.5 g faeces with 5 ml 80–90 % methanol yielded the highest radioactivity in the supernatant. Most of the metabolites were ether soluble. After high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the presence of immunoreactive metabolites was demonstrated by measuring each HPLC fraction using enzyme immunoassays for cortisol, corticosterone and 11-oxoaetiocholanolone. Only the assay for 11-oxoaetiocholanolone revealed peaks with co-eluting radioactivity. For biological validation of the test system, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and dexamethasone were injected intravenously successively in both species (n = 6). Cortisol concentration in blood and the 11-oxoaetiocholanolone immunoreactive substances in faeces were determined. In horse faeces, basal values of 2.3–35.2 nmol/kg were measured. After ACTH administration, an increase (more than 200 % above basal values) of these metabolites was seen about 1 day after ACTH administration. After dexamethasone injection the levels decreased, reaching minimum concentrations 2 days after administration. In pigs, an increase in these metabolites was measured in only three animals after ACTH; dexamethasone did not cause a decrease. The stability of the samples after defecation was tested by storing samples from cows, horses and pigs at room temperature. It was shown that there was a significant increase in the concentration of measured cortisol metabolites in bovine, equine and porcine faeces after storage for 1 h, 4 h and 24 h, respectively. In frozen samples this effect was diminished after thawing samples at 40°C; thawing the samples at 95°C prevented an increase in immunoreactive substances.  
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  Publisher Blackwell Science, Ltd Place of Publication Editor  
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  ISSN 1439-0442 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 6043  
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Author Schwarzenberger, F.; Mostl, E.; Palme, R.; Bamberg, E. url  openurl
  Title Faecal steroid analysis for non-invasive monitoring of reproductive status in farm, wild and zoo animals Type Journal Article
  Year 1996 Publication Animal Reproduction Science Abbreviated Journal Animal Reproduction: Research and Practice  
  Volume 42 Issue (down) 1-4 Pages 515-526  
  Keywords Faecal steroids; Non-invasive monitoring; Oestrogens; Progesterone metabolites; Reproductive hormones  
  Abstract Non-invasive faecal oestrogen and progesterone metabolite evaluations are well established approaches for monitoring reproductive function in a variety of mammalian species. The route of excretion of steroid hormone metabolites varies considerably among species, and also between steroids within the same species. Steroid concentrations in faeces exhibit a similar pattern to those in plasma, but have a lag time, which depending upon the species, can be from 12 h to more than 2 days. Faecal steroid metabolites in mammals are mainly unconjugated compounds. Faecal oestrogens consist predominantly of oestrone and/or oestradiol-17α or -17β. Therefore, specific oestrogen antibodies or antibodies against total oestrogens can be used for their determination. Progesterone is metabolised to several 5α- or 5β-reduced pregnanediones and hydroxylated pregnanes prior to its faecal excretion. Therefore, relevant antibodies for their determination show considerable cross-reactivities with several pregnane metabolites, whereas specific progesterone antibodies are less suitable. Faecal oestrogen evaluations have been used as reliable indicators of pregnancy in several ungulate and some primate species. They have also been used to determine the preovulatory period in carnivores, corpus luteum activity in New World primates, and to diagnose cryptorchidism in horses. Faecal progesterone metabolite analysis has been successfully used for monitoring corpus luteum function and pregnancy, abortion, seasonality and treatment therapies in an ever expanding list of species.  
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  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 327  
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Author Mostl, E.; Palme, R. url  openurl
  Title Hormones as indicators of stress Type Journal Article
  Year 2002 Publication Domestic Animal Endocrinology Abbreviated Journal Fourth International Conference on Farm Animal Endocrinology  
  Volume 23 Issue (down) 1-2 Pages 67-74  
  Keywords  
  Abstract Animal welfare is of increasing importance and absence of chronic stress is one of its prerequisites. During stress, various endocrine responses are involved to improve the fitness of the individual. The front-line hormones to overcome stressful situations are the glucocorticoids and catecholamines. These hormones are determined as a parameter of adrenal activity and thus of disturbance. The concentration of glucocorticoids (or their metabolites) can be measured in various body fluids or excreta. Above all, fecal samples offer the advantage that they can be easily collected and this procedure is feedback free. Recently, enzyme immunoassays (EIA) have been developed and successfully tested, to enable the measurement of groups of cortisol metabolites in animal feces. The determination of these metabolites in fecal samples is a practical method to monitor glucocorticoid production.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4067  
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Author Palme, R.; Fischer, P.; Schildorfer, H.; Ismail, M.N. url  openurl
  Title Excretion of infused 14C-steroid hormones via faeces and urine in domestic livestock Type Journal Article
  Year 1996 Publication Animal Reproduction Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 43 Issue (down) 1 Pages 43-63  
  Keywords Sheep--endocrinology; Pig--endocrinology; Pony; 14C-steroids; Faeces; Urine; Blood  
  Abstract The aim of this comparative study was to gain more information about the excretion of steroid hormones in farm animals. This should help to establish or improve non-invasive steroid monitoring procedures, especially in zoo and wildlife animals. Over a period of 4 h the 14C-steroid hormones (3.7 MBq) progesterone (three females), testosterone (three males), cortisol and oestrone (two males, two females) were infused intravenously in sheep, ponies and pigs. Faeces were collected immediately after defecation. Urine was sampled via a permanent catheter in females and after spontaneous urination in males. A total of 88 +/- 10% (mean +/- SD) of the administered radioactivity was recovered. Considerable interspecies differences were measured both in the amounts of steroid metabolites excreted via faeces or urine and the time course of excretion. Progesterone and oestrone in ewes, and progesterone in mares were excreted mainly in the faeces (over 75%). The primary route of excretion of all other 14C-steroids was via the urine but to a different extent. In general, sheep showed the highest degree of faecal excretion and pigs the least. The highest radioactivity in urine (per mmol creatinine) was observed during the infusion or in one of the next two samples thereafter, whereas in faeces it was measured about 12 h (sheep), 24 h (ponies) or 48 h (pigs) after the end of the infusion. Thereafter the radioactivity declined and reached background levels within 2-3 weeks. In faeces, steroid metabolites were present mainly in an unconjugated form, but in blood and urine as conjugates. Mean retention time of faecal radioactivity suggested that the passage rate of digesta (duodenum to rectum) played an important role in the time course of the excretion of steroids. The information derived from this investigation could improve the precision of sampling as well as the extraction of steroids from the faeces. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that it should be possible to establish methods for measuring faecal androgen and cortisol metabolites for assessing male reproductive endocrinology and stress in animals.  
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  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4069  
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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 (down) 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 Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. claudia.franceschini@univie.ac.ct  
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  ISSN 0016-6480 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes PMID:17408667 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4076  
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Author Touma, C.; Palme, R.; Sachser, N. openurl 
  Title Analyzing corticosterone metabolites in fecal samples of mice: a noninvasive technique to monitor stress hormones Type Journal Article
  Year 2004 Publication Hormones and Behavior Abbreviated Journal Horm Behav  
  Volume 45 Issue (down) 1 Pages 10-22  
  Keywords Adrenal Cortex/drug effects; Adrenal Cortex Function Tests; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/pharmacology; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Circadian Rhythm; Corticosterone/*analysis/metabolism; Dexamethasone/pharmacology; Feces/*chemistry; Female; Immunoenzyme Techniques/*methods; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Models, Animal; Reproducibility of Results; Stress, Psychological/*metabolism  
  Abstract In small animals like mice, the monitoring of endocrine functions over time is constrained seriously by the adverse effects of blood sampling. Therefore, noninvasive techniques to monitor, for example, stress hormones in these animals are highly demanded in laboratory as well as in field research. The aim of our study was to evaluate the biological relevance of a recently developed technique to monitor stress hormone metabolites in fecal samples of laboratory mice. In total, six experiments were performed using six male and six female mice each. Two adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge tests, two dexamethasone (Dex) suppression tests and two control experiments [investigating effects of the injection procedure itself and the diurnal variation (DV) of glucocorticoids (GCs), respectively] were conducted. The experiments clearly demonstrated that pharmacological stimulation and suppression of adrenocortical activity was reflected accurately by means of corticosterone metabolite (CM) measurements in the feces of males and females. Furthermore, the technique proved sensitive enough to detect dosage-dependent effects of the ACTH/Dex treatment and facilitated to reveal profound effects of the injection procedure itself. Even the naturally occurring DV of GCs could be monitored reliably. Thus, our results confirm that measurement of fecal CM with the recently established 5alpha-pregnane-3beta,11beta,21-triol-20-one enzyme immunoassay is a very powerful tool to monitor adrenocortical activity in laboratory mice. Since mice represent the vast majority of all rodents used for research worldwide and the number of transgenic and knockout mice utilized as animal models is still increasing, this noninvasive technique can open new perspectives in biomedical and behavioral science.  
  Address Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Muenster, D-48149 Muenster, Germany. touma@uni-muenster.de  
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  ISSN 0018-506X ISBN Medium  
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  Notes PMID:14733887 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4084  
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Author Christensen, J.W.; Ahrendt, L.P.; Lintrup, R.; Gaillard, C.; Palme, R.; Malmkvist, J. doi  openurl
  Title Does learning performance in horses relate to fearfulness, baseline stress hormone, and social rank? Type Abstract
  Year 2012 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal App Anim Behav Sci  
  Volume 140 Issue (down) 1 Pages 44-52  
  Keywords Horse; Learning; Fearfulness; Stress; Reinforcement; Social rank  
  Abstract The ability of horses to learn and remember new tasks is fundamentally important for their use by humans. Fearfulness may, however, interfere with learning, because stimuli in the environment can overshadow signals from the rider or handler. In addition, prolonged high levels of stress hormones can affect neurons within the hippocampus; a brain region central to learning and memory. In a series of experiments, we aimed to investigate the link between performance in two learning tests, the baseline level of stress hormones, measured as faecal cortisol metabolites (FCM), fearfulness, and social rank. Twenty-five geldings (2 or 3 years old) pastured in one group were included in the study. The learning tests were performed by professional trainers and included a number of predefined stages during which the horses were gradually trained to perform exercises, using either negative (NR) or positive reinforcement (PR). Each of the learning tests lasted 3 days; 7min/horse/day. The NR test was repeated in a novel environment. Performance, measured as final stage in the training programme, and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Faeces were collected on four separate days where the horses had been undisturbed at pasture for 48h. Social rank was determined through observations of social interactions during feeding. The fear test was a novel object test during which behaviour and HR were recorded. Performance in the NR and PR learning tests did not correlate. In the NR test, there was a significant, negative correlation between performance and HR in the novel environment (rS=-0.66, P<0.001, i.e. nervous horses had reduced performance), whereas there was no such correlation in the home environment (both NR and PR). Behavioural reactions in the fear test correlated significantly with performance in the NR test in the novel environment (e.g. object alertness and final stage: rS=-0.43, P=0.04), suggesting that performance under unfamiliar, stressful conditions may be predicted by behavioural responses in a fear test. There was a negative correlation between social rank and baseline stress hormones (rS=-0.43, P=0.04), i.e. high rank corresponded to low FCM concentrations, whereas neither rank nor FCM correlated with fearfulness or learning performance. We conclude that performance under stressful conditions is affected by activation of the sympathetic nervous system during training and related to behavioural responses in a standardised fear test. Learning performance in the home environment, however, appears unrelated to fearfulness, social rank and baseline FCM levels.  
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  ISSN 0168-1591 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ S0168-1591(12)00168-2 Serial 5769  
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Author Krueger, K.; Marr, I.; Dobler, A.; Palme, R. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Preservation of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites and immunoglobulin A through silica gel drying for field studies in horses Type Journal Article
  Year 2019 Publication Conservation Physiology Abbreviated Journal conphys  
  Volume 7 Issue (down) 1 Pages  
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  Abstract Non-invasive methods enable stress evaluation through measuring fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs), and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the feces avoiding stressful blood drawing or stressful restraining of animals in the field. However, FGMs and IgA are mostly analysed in freshly frozen samples, which is difficult when fresh samples cannot be frozen immediately or frozen samples cannot be stored or transported. Good results were also derived from air-dried fecal samples, which are hampered by unstable air humidity in the field. These difficulties may be overcome, when drying of samples could be induced with colorless silica gel (SiO2) granules in a secure set-up, such as an air tight tube. We determined the speed of drying 1.5 g of a fresh fecal sample from six horses on air and on silica gel. Furthermore, FGMs and IgA were analysed in differently stored subsamples from 12 horses: in frozen fecal samples, in air- or silica gel-dried samples stored for 1 day and for 7 days, and in wet fecal samples kept in a tube at room temperature for 7 days. FGM levels remained stable in feces dried on air or on silica gel for 7 days, whereas IgA quantities showed a significant loss. Under field conditions, when freezing or transporting the frozen samples is not possible and humidity hampers air drying, drying samples on silica gel in air tight tubes appears to be very helpful and reliable for analysing FGMs.  
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  ISSN 2051-1434 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 6594  
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Author Aurich, J.; Wulf, M.; Ille, N.; Erber, R.; von Lewinski, M.; Palme, R.; Aurich, C. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Effects of season, age, sex and housing on salivary cortisol concentrations in horses Type Journal Article
  Year 2015 Publication Domestic Animal Endocrinology Abbreviated Journal Domest. Anim. Endocrinol.  
  Volume Issue (down) Pages  
  Keywords horse; cortisol; diurnal rhythm; reproduction; housing  
  Abstract Abstract Analysis of salivary cortisol is increasingly used to assess stress responses in horses. Since spontaneous or experimentally induced increases in cortisol concentrations are often relatively small for stress studies proper controls are needed. This requires an understanding of factors affecting salivary cortisol over longer times. In this study, we have analysed salivary cortisol concentration over 6 mo in horses (n = 94) differing in age, sex, reproductive state and housing. Salivary cortisol followed a diurnal rhythm with highest concentrations in the morning and a decrease throughout the day (P < 0.001). This rhythm was disrupted in individual groups on individual days; however, alterations remained within the range of diurnal changes. Comparison between months showed highest cortisol concentrations in December (P < 0.001). Cortisol concentrations increased in breeding stallions during the breeding season (P < 0.001). No differences in salivary cortisol concentrations between non-pregnant mares with and without a corpus luteum existed. In stallions, mean daily salivary cortisol and plasma testosterone concentration were weakly correlated (r = 0.251, P < 0.01). No differences in salivary cortisol between female and male young horses and no consistent differences between horses of different age existed. Group housing and individual stabling did not affect salivary cortisol. In conclusion, salivary cortisol concentrations in horses follow a diurnal rhythm and are increased in active breeding sires. Time of the day and reproductive state of the horses are thus important for experiments that include analysis of cortisol in saliva.  
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  ISSN 0739-7240 ISBN Medium  
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  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5847  
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Author Touma, C.; Palme, R. doi  openurl
  Title Measuring fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in mammals and birds: the importance of validation Type Journal Article
  Year 2005 Publication Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Abbreviated Journal Ann N Y Acad Sci  
  Volume 1046 Issue (down) Pages 54-74  
  Keywords Animals; Birds/*metabolism; Circadian Rhythm; Feces/*chemistry; Glucocorticoids/*analysis; Mammals/*metabolism; Reproducibility of Results; Seasons; Sex Factors  
  Abstract In recent years, the noninvasive monitoring of steroid hormone metabolites in feces of mammals and droppings of birds has become an increasingly popular technique. It offers several advantages and has been applied to a variety of species under various settings. However, using this technique to reliably assess an animal's adrenocortical activity is not that simple and straightforward to apply. Because clear differences regarding the metabolism and excretion of glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs) exist, a careful validation for each species and sex investigated is obligatory. In this review, general analytical issues regarding sample storage, extraction procedures, and immunoassays are briefly discussed, but the main focus lies on experiments and recommendations addressing the validation of fecal GCM measurements in mammals and birds. The crucial importance of scrutinizing the physiological and biological validity of fecal GCM analyses in a given species is stressed. In particular, the relevance of the technique to detect biologically meaningful alterations in adrenocortical activity must be shown. Furthermore, significant effects of the animals' sex, the time of day, season, and different life history stages are discussed, bringing about the necessity to seriously consider possible sex differences as well as diurnal and seasonal variations. Thus, comprehensive information on the animals' biology and stress physiology should be carefully taken into account. Together with an extensive physiological and biological validation, this will ensure that the measurement of fecal GCMs can be used as a powerful tool to assess adrenocortical activity in diverse investigations on laboratory, companion, farm, zoo, and wild animals.  
  Address Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, D-80804 Munich, Germany. touma@mpipsykl.mpg.de  
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  ISSN 0077-8923 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes PMID:16055843 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4073  
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