Non-invasive methods to measure inter-renal function in aquatic salamanders-correlating fecal corticosterone to the environmental and physiologic conditions of captive .

This study sought to develop non-invasive techniques to monitor glucocorticoids in captive as a means to correlate inter-renal gland function in relation to environmental and physiological changes. Six individually housed breeding pairs of captive were subjected to seasonal changes in water temperature (30°F temperature differential) to stimulate natural breeding, specifically spermatophore deposition and oviposition. An enzyme immunoassay was validated for the measurement of faecal corticosterone metabolites (CMs) by exhibiting parallelism and accuracy to the standard curve.

Animal protein-free OptiXcell and shortened equilibration periods can replace egg yolk-based extender and slow cooling for rhinoceros semen cryopreservation.

OptiXcell (OP) was tested as an animal protein-free alternative to an egg yolk-based extender for rhinoceros semen cryopreservation and shorter chilling/equilibration periods were evaluated. Semen was collected from three rhinoceros species: black (Diceros bicornis; n = 2), white (Ceratotherium simum; n = 2), and greater one-horned (GOH; Rhinoceros unicornis; n = 3). Controls were diluted with equine extender (EQ) or OP and equilibrated for 1 h.

Reproductive Techniques for Ovarian Monitoring and Control in Amphibians.

Ovarian control and monitoring in amphibians require a multi-faceted approach. There are several applications that can successfully induce reproductive behaviors and the acquisition of gametes and embryos for physiological or molecular research. Amphibians contribute to one-quarter to one-third of vertebrate research, and of interest in this context is their contribution to the scientific community's knowledge of reproductive processes and embryological development.

Comparison of soy lecithin, coconut water, and coconut milk as substitutes for egg-yolk in semen cryodiluent for black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis).

Semen cryopreservation for the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) and Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) relies on extenders containing egg-yolk (EY). Use of such media is not ideal as inter-batch composition varies and there is risk of pathogenic contamination. The goal of this study was to test animal protein-free extenders.

Early fetal sexing in the rhinoceros by detection of male-specific genes in maternal serum.

Genetic sexing of animals with long gestation time benefits the management of captive populations. Here, X and Y chromosome-specific primers, based on equine gene sequencing data, were developed and tested on captive rhinoceroses (10 males, 20 females) representing four species (Diceros bicornis, Certaotherium simum simum, Rhinoceros unicornis, and Dicerorhinus sumatrensis). The Y chromosome-specific primer set targeted SRY (Sex-determining region Y), and amplified a 177-bp product following PCR of DNA extracted from males, but not females, of all species.

Enhancing captive Indian rhinoceros genetics via artificial insemination of cryopreserved sperm.

The objective of this study was to design an artificial insemination (AI) protocol using cryopreserved spermatozoa to obtain pregnancies in captive Indian rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis). Four methods developed varied by timing and approach, as follows; Method 1: females (n=2) were inseminated pre- and post-ovulation under general anesthesia, Method 2: females (n=2) were inseminated pre-ovulation without anesthetic via endoscopy, Method 3: females (n=1) were inseminated pre-ovulation without anesthetic via manual insertion of an insemination catheter, Method 4: females (n=2) were inseminated same as Method 3 with the addition of standing sedation. Semen deposition site varied as a result of changes in AI technology and experience.

Assessment of the reproductive physiology of the potto (Perodicticus potto) through fecal hormone metabolite analyses and trans-abdominal ultrasonography.

Potto (Perodicticus potto) reproductive biology has been minimally studied. Noninvasive endocrinology and ultrasonography are proven tools for reproductive assessment in other primates. In this study, we used fecal hormone metabolite analysis to monitor one adult male potto and four females at different life stages.

Reproductive tract tumours: the scourge of woman reproduction ails Indian rhinoceroses.

In Indian rhinoceros, extensive leiomyoma, a benign smooth muscle tumour, was sporadically diagnosed post mortem and commonly thought of as contributing factor for reduced fecundity of this species in captivity. However, to date, the prevalence of reproductive tract tumours and their relevance for fecundity are unknown. Our analysis of the international studbook now reveals that females cease reproducing at the age of 18.

Effects of management strategies on glucocorticoids and behavior in Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis): translocation and operant conditioning.

The ex situ Indian rhino population experienced a decrease in genetic diversity indicating that the breeding program could possibly benefit from novel reproductive management strategies to ensure population sustainability. We sought to determine how management tools used for reproductive management, specifically translocation and operant conditioning, impact physiological and behavioral measures of welfare in Indian rhinos. First, an adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge performed in an adult male resulted in a 38-fold increase in urinary and a 3.

Use of urinary biomarkers of ovarian function and altrenogest supplementation to enhance captive breeding success in the Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis).

Urinary hormone analysis was conducted on two adult female Indian rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis) that exhibited minimal or no estrual behaviors traditionally used to time breeding. Urine was collected throughout two consecutive estrous cycles to establish preliminary data on each individual's pattern and concentration of estrogen conjugates (EC) and progesterone metabolites (PdG) during follicular and luteal phases. Following preliminary endocrine analysis, urine samples were shipped on a frequent basis to verify when each female was off baseline in EC.

Sexual maturation in the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis).

To help save the Sumatran rhino from extinction, the captive breeding program must capitalize on each rhino's reproductive lifespan. Doing so requires knowing when calves are sexually mature. The goal of this study was to monitor physiological changes associated with sexual maturation in two captive born calves (one male and one female) to determine the approximate age of maturity for both sexes of this species.

Attempted in vitro maturation and fertilization of postmortem Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) oocytes.

A study was conducted opportunistically to evaluate the potential of rescuing immature oocytes from the ovaries of the Sumatran rhinoceros postmortem. Recovered oocytes (n = 30) were placed in maturation culture for 36 hr and inseminated with frozen-thawed homologous spermatozoa. After culture, evaluation of nuclear maturation status revealed that a large number of oocytes were degenerated (n = 21), but nine oocytes were assessed at the germinal vesicle (n = 3), metaphase I (n = 3), and metaphase II (n = 3) stages.

Urinalysis in three species of captive rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, and Diceros bicornis).

This study reports urinalysis values for three species of captive rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, and Diceros bicornis) and evaluates individual and species differences. Repeated urinalysis was conducted on 11 individuals to establish normal reference ranges. Although no individual or species differences existed in urinary values for pH, all species differed in specific gravity.

Semen collection in rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis, Diceros bicornis, Ceratotherium simum) by electroejaculation with a uniquely designed probe.

Electroejaculation in rhinoceroses has historically yielded inconsistent results, with the collection of high-quality, sperm-rich samples rare. The goal of this study was to develop a reliable method of electroejaculation in the rhinoceros by designing a rectal probe that appropriately fits the anatomy of this taxon and refining the procedure. A curved probe handle ending in an oblate, ellipsoid head was built using readily available supplies.

Follicular, endocrine and behavioural dynamics of the Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) oestrous cycle.

Longitudinal ultrasound, behaviour and endocrine evaluations were conducted, over 14 to 18 months, in two young female Indian rhinoceroses (Rhinoceros unicornis) to characterize the oestrous cycle. Both females showed the same pattern of follicular development producing a large follicle (10-12 cm diameter) on one of the ovaries that persisted for 8.5 +/- 4.

Hematologic values for tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes).

Hematologic values for 99 tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) from California (USA) are presented. These were obtained from individuals from three captures at Tomales Point (Point Reyes National Seashore, California) from 1997-98. Differences between capture groups were assessed.