Seasonal Effects on Body Condition and Characteristics of the Estrous Cycle in Captive Asian Elephants () in Thailand: A Retrospective Study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of season on the body condition score (BCS), the characteristics of the estrous cycle (luteal phase [LPL], follicular phase [FPL], estrous cycle [ECL] lengths, and the start of the luteal phase [SLP] and follicular phase [SFP]), and progesterone levels (baseline and peak) of eight captive Asian elephants () in Thailand. From 2014 to 2019, blood samples were collected weekly for serum progesterone enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). Estrous cycles ( = 70), including the luteal and follicular phases, and BCS ( = 70) were recorded.

Variability of gait characteristics in lameness elephant.

Lameness has a significant impact not only on the economy but also on elephant welfare. Several gait characteristics are altered to compensate for the discomfort. The traditional approach to detecting lameness has relied on mahout and veterinarian observation.

Dexmedetomidine Effectively Sedates Asian Elephants ().

This study investigated the sedative effects of dexmedetomidine in Asian elephants. We hypothesized that 2 µg/kg dexmedetomidine would provide sufficient standing sedation. A crossover design study was performed in three Asian elephants.

Development of Nonstructural Protein-Based Indirect ELISA to Identify Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) Infection in Asian Elephants ().

Disease caused by elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) infection is the most highly fatal hemorrhagic disease in Asian elephant calves worldwide. To date, adult elephants that have been infected with EEHV have predominantly displayed mild clinical signs, while they are believed to serve as EEHV shedders to other elephants. Hence, the diagnostic tools employed for monitoring EEHV-active infection are considered vitally important.

Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Is a Biomarker of Testosterone Production and Intact Acrosome in Asian Elephants ().

The objective of this study was to find relationships among serum IGF-1, serum testosterone, seminal plasma IGF-1 concentrations and semen parameters in Asian elephants (). A total of 17 ejaculates (one to three ejaculates/bull) were collected from seven captive elephant bulls by performing rectal massage. Before each ejaculation, blood samples were obtained for serum IGF-1 and testosterone assays.