title: Non-invasive detection and monitoring of estrus, pregnancy and the postpartum period in pygmy loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus) using fecal estrogen metabolites.
abstract: Estrone-conjugates (E1C) were measured in the feces of six female pygmy lorises (Nycticebus pygmaeus) during estrus (n = 12), pregnancy (n = 4) and the postpartum period (n = 3). Noninvasive feces collection permitted frequent sampling throughout estrus and pregnancy, without disturbance of animals. The estrous period was defined as an increase in fecal E1C levels above an average of 70 ng/g feces with peaks above 100 ng/g feces obtained in consecutive fecal samples collected over a 6- to 11-day period between the end of July and the first third of October. Comparison of the periovulatory profile of E1C and the stage of labial opening of the vagina revealed a high agreement (P < 0.001). In all pregnant females, an E1C rise was found approximately 47 days postestrus, the source of which may be the growing fetal placental unit. Estimated gestation lengths ranged between 187 and 198 days (n = 4).
authors.affiliation: Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species, Zoological Society of San Diego, CA 92112-0551, USA.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Jurke
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Czekala
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fitch-Snyder
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004967:Estrogens / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004972:Estrus Detection / Q000379:methods*; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D008142:Lorisidae; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens