Ovarian function assessment in captive jaguars (Panthera onca, LINNAEUS, 1758) by fecal steroid extraction and quantification

Author(s)

Priscila Viau Furtado

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ/SBD)
• Defense date: 2003-09-12

Examining board members

Claudio Alvarenga de Oliveira; Marcelo Alcindo de Barros Vaz Guimarães; Ronaldo Gonçalves Morato

• Advisor: Claudio Alvarenga de Oliveira

Abstract

Ovarian function of captive jaguars (Panthera onca; adults n=2 and pre-pubertal n=3) was assessed by extraction and quantification of fecal estrogens and progestins. Fecal samples were obtained 2-7 times per week during 16-18 months. Validation of solid phase radioimmunoassay for progesterone and 17β-estradiol was performed for jaguar fecal extracts. Ovarian cycle mean duration (±SEM), defined by two consecutive peaks of fecal estrogens, was 38.28 ±2.52days (range, 25 - 44days; n=7). Mean estrous phase duration was 10.42 ± 1.15days (range, 7 - 15days), and inter-estrous phase mean duration was 28.00 ±1.43days (range, 28 - 31days). Basal fecal estrogen mean concentration in inter-estrous period was 31.26 ± 1.34ng/g of dry feces. During estrous period mean value was 115.91 ±8.82ng/ g of dry feces, and was observed a mean peak (164.45 ±3.49 ng/g of dry feces) between D-5 and D-2. Fecal progestins had a mean concentration of 0,44 ± 0.05µg/g of dry feces, with no significant variations during the cycles. Data obtained during the evaluation of fecal estrogen longitudinal profiles in the pre-pubertal group, allow to indicate the beginning of ovarian activity in August-September bimester with fecal estrogen mean peaks of 135.31 ± 3.16ng/ g of dry feces. AlI animaIs started pre-pubertal phase around 20 months of age. (AU)