Plasma and fecal sex steroid hormone profiles during the estrous cycle in a Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus).
We aimed to determine plasma progesterone and estradiol-17beta concentrations, as well as fecal progesterone concentrations during the estrous cycle in a female 8-year-old Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus). The step frequencies during the night were recorded by a pedometer attached to the serow's hind leg from October to the following June. Estrous behavior was also monitored during the day. Blood samples were taken once a day from 8 February to 10 March from an indwelling catheter placed in the jugular vein. Fecal samples were taken once or twice a day from 1 January to 29 April. Plasma and fecal progesterone and plasma estradiol concentrations were determined using time-resolved fluoroimmunoassays. The estrus behavior observed lasted for 2-3 days. Peak step frequencies were recorded between November and April, at intervals of 17-19 days. Plasma progesterone concentrations remained elevated (1-7.7 ng/ml) for 12 days during non-estrus, and plasma estradiol concentrations were highest when the peak step frequency and estrous behavior were observed. Step frequency increased around the times fecal progesterone levels fell to basal levels. Progesterone concentrations in feces were significantly correlated with those in sera. Thus, measurement of fecal progesterone concentrations might be useful for monitoring the reproductive status of the Japanese serow.
Togashi
Mikiko
M
Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan.
Tsujimoto
Tsunenori
T
Yamauchi
Kiyoshi
K
Deguchi
Yoshitaka
Y
Hashizume
Kazuyoshi
K
Kizaki
Keiichiro
K
Honjou
Sachika
S
Izaike
Yoshiaki
Y
Osawa
Takeshi
T
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003672:Defecation; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D030762:Estrous Cycle; D005243:Feces; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol