Fecal steroid analysis for evaluating ovarian function in the greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) and lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis).
Seasonal reproductive-endocrine norms have not been described for the genus Tragelaphus, which consists of seven species of African antelope. Longitudinal patterns of progesterone metabolite excretion were assessed by radioimmunoassays in fecal samples collected noninvasively (three to seven samples per week) from greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros, n = 4) and lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis, n = 4). Progesterone metabolite excretion patterns revealed seasonal estrous cycles in both species, and discrimination of pregnant versus nonpregnant females was achieved in lesser kudu. These data reveal the value of fecal progesterone metabolites for establishing reproductive-endocrine norms in both zoo-maintained and free-living antelopes of the genus Tragelaphus.
University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, 1365 Gortner Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA. peter.black@buschgardens.com
Peter A
PA
Black
Ava M
AM
Trent
Joan E
JE
Bauman
Ralph J
RJ
Farnsworth
Steven L
SL
Monfort
D000818:Animals; D000866:Antelopes / Q000502:physiology*; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000032:analysis*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay / Q000662:veterinary; D012621:Seasons; D013997:Time Factors
D011374:Progesterone