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Author |
Franceschini, C.; Siutz, C.; Palme, R.; Millesi, E. |
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Title |
Seasonal changes in cortisol and progesterone secretion in Common hamsters |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2007 |
Publication |
General and Comparative Endocrinology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Gen Comp Endocrinol |
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Volume |
152 |
Issue  |
1 |
Pages |
14-21 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Cortisone/*secretion; Cricetinae/*metabolism; Feces/chemistry; Female; Lactation/physiology; Male; Pregnancy; Progesterone/*secretion; Reproduction/physiology; *Seasons; Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology |
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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. |
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Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. claudia.franceschini@univie.ac.ct |
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0016-6480 |
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PMID:17408667 |
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Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4076 |
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Author |
Elhay, M.; Newbold, A.; Britton, A.; Turley, P.; Dowsett, K.; Walker, J. |
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Title |
Suppression of behavioural and physiological oestrus in the mare by vaccination against GnRH |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2007 |
Publication |
Australian Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Aust Vet J |
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Volume |
85 |
Issue |
1-2 |
Pages |
39-45 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Antibodies/blood; Estradiol/blood; *Estrus/drug effects/physiology; Female; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/*immunology/*pharmacology; Horses/*physiology; Luteinizing Hormone/blood; Ovulation/*drug effects/physiology; Progesterone/blood; Safety; Sexual Behavior, Animal/drug effects/physiology; Time Factors; Vaccination/veterinary |
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Abstract |
OBJECTIVE: To examine the immunogenicity of an equine immunocontraceptive vaccine and its efficacy in controlling hormone-related behaviour. DESIGN: A total of 24 mares at two sites in Australia were vaccinated with an immunocontraceptive vaccine comprising gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) conjugated to a carrier protein in immunostimulating complex as an adjuvant. Twelve animals at each site received a placebo of adjuvant alone and served as controls for seasonal oestrus, hormonal and behaviour patterns. Animals were observed for injection site reactions, ovarian and follicular activity, and serum levels of antibody, 17beta-oestradiol and progesterone in the weeks following vaccination. Mares were also examined for oestrous behaviour by teasing with a stallion. RESULTS: All mares responded to vaccination. Two weeks following the second vaccination there was a peak in antibody response to GnRH that declined gradually over the following weeks. Commensurate with the elevated anti-GnRH antibody there was a marked effect on ovarian activity with a reduction in 17beta-oestradiol and progesterone levels in the 24 vaccinated mares. There was also a reduction of oestrus-related behaviour as determined by a teaser stallion. This effect lasted a minimum of 3 months and correlated with the initial level of antibody response. CONCLUSION: Following a conventional two-dose immunisation regime this commercially available equine immunocontraceptive vaccine was effective at inhibiting oestrous behaviour for at least 3 months. This vaccine has a high level of safety since there were no significant local reactions nor were there any adverse systemic responses to vaccination. |
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Veterinary Medicines Research and Development, Pfizer Animal Health, Parkville, VIC 3052. Martin.Elhay@pfizer.com |
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0005-0423 |
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Notes |
PMID:17300452 |
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no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1831 |
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Author |
Cancedda, M. |
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Title |
[Social and behavioral organization of horses on the Giara (Sardinia): distribution and aggregation] |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
1990 |
Publication |
Bollettino della Societa italiana di biologia sperimentale |
Abbreviated Journal |
Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper |
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Volume |
66 |
Issue |
11 |
Pages |
1089-1096 |
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Keywords |
Animals; *Animals, Wild/physiology/psychology; Environment; Female; *Horses/physiology/psychology; Italy; Male; Population Density; Sexual Behavior, Animal; *Social Behavior; Social Dominance; Water |
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Abstract |
In this paper some considerations on the environment of the 42 Kmq of the volcanic-basaltic Giara tableland are discussed. Conditioning by the environment and its effect on the distribution of a population of 712 horses is illustrated in view of their social and behavioural organization. |
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Istituto di Fisiologia Generale e Speciale, Universita di Sassari |
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Italian |
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Original Title |
Introduzione all'organizzazione sociale e comportamentale dei cavallini sulla Giara (Sardegna): distribuzione ed aggregazione |
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ISSN |
0037-8771 |
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Notes |
PMID:2095819 |
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no |
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Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
673 |
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Author |
Dugatkin, L.A.; Godin, J.G. |
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Title |
Reversal of female mate choice by copying in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
1992 |
Publication |
Proceedings. Biological sciences / The Royal Society |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc Biol Sci |
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Volume |
249 |
Issue |
1325 |
Pages |
179-184 |
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Keywords |
Acclimatization; Animals; *Choice Behavior; Female; Male; Poecilia; *Sexual Behavior, Animal |
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Abstract |
Ever since Fisher (1958) formalized models of sexual selection, female mate choice has been assumed to be a genetically determined trait. Females, however, may also use social cues to select mates. One such cue might be the mate choice of conspecifics. Here we report the first direct evidence that a female's preference for a particular male can in fact be reversed by social cues. In our experiments using the Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata), this reversal was mediated by mate-copying opportunities, such that a female (the 'focal' female) is given the opportunity to choose between two males, followed by a period in which she observes a second female (the 'model' female) displaying a preference for the male she herself did not prefer initially. When allowed to choose between the same males a second time, compared with control tests, a significant proportion of focal females reversed their mate choice and copied the preference of the model female. These results provide strong evidence for the role of non-genetic factors in sexual selection and underlie the need for new models of sexual selection that explicitly incorporate both genetic and cultural aspects of mate choice. |
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Address |
Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada |
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English |
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ISSN |
0962-8452 |
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Notes |
PMID:1360679 |
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no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1824 |
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Author |
McComb, K.; Clutton-Brock, T. |
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Title |
Is mate choice copying or aggregation responsible for skewed distributions of females on leks? |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
1994 |
Publication |
Proceedings. Biological sciences / The Royal Society |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc Biol Sci |
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Volume |
255 |
Issue |
1342 |
Pages |
13-19 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Deer/*physiology; Estrus/physiology; Female; Male; Phenotype; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Territoriality |
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Abstract |
In several lek-breeding populations of birds and mammals, females arriving on leks tend to join males that already have females in their territories. This might occur either because females have an evolved preference for mating with males that are attractive to other females, or because they join groups of other females to obtain greater safety from predation or dangerous harassment by males. We have previously used controlled experiments to show that oestrous fallow deer females join males with established harems because they are attracted to female groups rather than to the males themselves. Here we demonstrate that the preference for males with females over males without females is specific to oestrous females and weak or absent in anoestrous ones, and that it is not associated with a preference for mating with males that have previously been seen to mate with other females. Furthermore, oestrous females given the choice between males that do not already have females with them show no significant preference for antlered over deantlered males or for older males over younger ones. We conclude that female attraction to other females on the lek is likely to be an adaptation to avoiding harassment in mixed-sex herds. In this situation, a male's ability to maintain the cohesion of his harem may be the principal cause of variation in mating success between males. |
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Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, U.K |
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0962-8452 |
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Notes |
PMID:8153135 |
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no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1823 |
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Author |
de Waal, F.B. |
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Title |
Macaque social culture: development and perpetuation of affiliative networks |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
1996 |
Publication |
Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983) |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Comp Psychol |
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Volume |
110 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
147-154 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Dominance-Subordination; Female; Macaca mulatta/*psychology; Male; Maternal Behavior; *Peer Group; Sexual Behavior, Animal; *Social Behavior; Social Distance; *Social Environment |
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Abstract |
Maternal affiliative relations may be transmitted to offspring, similar to the way in which maternal rank determines offspring rank. The development of 23 captive female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) was followed from the day of birth until adulthood. A multivariate analysis compared relations among age peers with affiliative relations, kinship, and rank distance among mothers. Maternal relations were an excellent predictor of affiliative relations among daughters, explaining up to 64% of the variance. Much of this predictability was due to the effect of kinship. However, after this variable had been controlled, significant predictability persisted. For relations of female subjects with male peers, on the other hand, maternal relations had no significant predictive value beyond the effect of kinship. One possible explanation of these results is that young rhesus females copy maternal social preferences through a process of cultural learning. |
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Address |
Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. dewaal@rmy.emory.edu |
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English |
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ISSN |
0735-7036 |
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Notes |
PMID:8681528 |
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no |
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Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
204 |
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Author |
Kiley, M. |
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Title |
The vocalizations of ungulates, their causation and function |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
1972 |
Publication |
Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie |
Abbreviated Journal |
Z. Tierpsychol. |
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Volume |
31 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
171-222 |
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Keywords |
Aggression; Animals; *Artiodactyla; Cattle; Fear; Female; Frustration; Horses; Humans; Male; Pain; *Perissodactyla; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Social Behavior; Social Dominance; Swine; *Vocalization, Animal |
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English |
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0044-3573 |
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Notes |
PMID:4674022 |
Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
681 |
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Author |
Neff, B.D.; Sherman, P.W. |
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Title |
Nestling recognition via direct cues by parental male bluegill sunfish ( Lepomis macrochirus) |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2003 |
Publication |
Animal Cognition |
Abbreviated Journal |
Anim. Cogn. |
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Volume |
6 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
87-92 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Animals, Wild; Male; Ovum; Parasites; Perception; *Perciformes; Pheromones; *Recognition (Psychology); Sexual Behavior, Animal; *Smell; Social Behavior |
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Abstract |
Parental care can be costly to a parent in terms of both time and energy invested in the young. In species with cuckoldry or brood parasitism not all of the young under a parent's care are necessarily offspring. In such cases, distinguishing between kin and non-kin, and investing only in the former (nepotism), can be advantageous. Bluegill sunfish ( Lepomis macrochirus) are characterized by paternal care and cuckoldry, and care-providing males appear to show nepotistic behaviours. Here, we investigated nestling recognition in bluegill, determining whether parental males can differentiate between young from their own nest (familiar and related) and young from non-neighbouring nests (unfamiliar and unrelated) using (1) visual and chemical cues, and (2) chemical cues only. In the first experiment, wild-caught parental males were presented with samples of eggs or fry (newly hatched eggs) collected from their own nest or a foreign nest and placed on opposite sides of an aquarium. The time these parental males spent associating with each sample, and their “pecking” behaviours (indicating cannibalism), were recorded. Parental males showed no preference between eggs from their own nest and eggs from a non-neighbouring nest, but they preferred to associate with fry from their own nest over foreign fry. There also was a positive relationship between male body size and the time spent associated with fry from their own nest. Parental males pecked at foreign fry more than 5 times as often as fry from their own nest, though this difference was not statistically significant. In the second experiment, fry that were collected from the nest of a wild-caught parental male or a non-neighbouring nest were placed in different containers and the water from each was dripped into opposite ends of an aquarium. The time the male spent on each side was recorded. In this case, parental males spent more time near the source of water conditioned by unrelated fry, but there was a positive relationship between male condition (fat reserves) and the time he spent near the source of water conditioned by fry from his own nest. Results confirm that chemicals cue nestling recognition by parental male bluegill. |
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Address |
Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada. bneff@uwo.ca |
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1435-9448 |
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Notes |
PMID:12687419 |
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no |
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Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
2577 |
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Author |
Brazas, M.L.; Shimizu, T. |
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Title |
Significance of visual cues in choice behavior in the female zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata castanotis) |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2002 |
Publication |
Animal Cognition |
Abbreviated Journal |
Anim. Cogn. |
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Volume |
5 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
91-95 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Auditory Perception; Female; Male; *Sexual Behavior, Animal; Social Behavior; *Songbirds; *Visual Perception; Vocalization, Animal |
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Abstract |
Female zebra finches show a preference for male zebra finches over heterospecific males based solely on the auditory cues of males, such as songs. The present study was designed to investigate whether females show a similar preference for male zebra finches based solely on visual cues. Using a Y-maze apparatus, social preference of female zebra finches was studied between male zebra finches and male Bengalese finches in three experiments. In experiment 1, where female zebra finches could see and hear live male zebra finches and male Bengalese finches, the females preferred to associate with the male zebra finches. In experiment 2, using a sound-attenuated experimental apparatus, subjects could see, but not hear, male zebra finches and male Bengalese finches. The subjects did not show a significant preference for associating with zebra finches. In experiment 3, as in experiment 2, females could see live male zebra finches and male Bengalese finches in the sound-attenuated chambers. However, in experiment 3, the subjects also heard prerecorded auditory cues (i.e., songs and calls) of male zebra finches, which were presented simultaneously in both arms of the maze. Although the females could not use the auditory cues to identify the location of the male zebra finches, they preferred to associate with the male zebra finches rather than the male Bengalese finches. These results suggest that visual cues alone were effective in initiating choice behaviors by females and that auditory cues facilitate such visually based choice behaviors. |
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Address |
Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, PCD4118G, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620, USA |
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English |
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1435-9448 |
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Notes |
PMID:12150041 |
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no |
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Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
2603 |
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Author |
Ganswindt, A.; Palme, R.; Heistermann, M.; Borragan, S.; Hodges, J.K. |
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Title |
Non-invasive assessment of adrenocortical function in the male African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and its relation to musth |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2003 |
Publication |
General and Comparative Endocrinology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Gen Comp Endocrinol |
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Volume |
134 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
156-166 |
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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 |
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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. |
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German Primate Centre, Department of Reproductive Biology, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Gottingen, Germany. ganswindt@www.dpz.gdwg.de |
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English |
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0016-6480 |
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PMID:14511986 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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4085 |
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