| Endocrine patterns of the estrous cycle and pregnancy of wildebeest in the Serengeti ecosystem. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 20036667 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Despite the importance of the western white-bearded wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi) to the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, surprisingly little is known about the reproductive physiology of this keystone species. A longitudinal, non-invasive endocrine study was conducted on female wildebeest captured from the Serengeti-Mara migration and maintained for approximately 16 months in large fenced enclosures within the species' natural range. An intact bull was introduced to a female subgroup (n=5), while remaining females (n=10) were unexposed to a male. Fecal progestagen patterns reflected ovarian activity and pregnancy. In non-pregnant animals, luteal and inter-luteal baseline progestagen values differed (p<0.001) over time, thereby allowing identification of recurrent estrous cycles. The average durations of the luteal phase, estrous cycle, gestation, and post-partum anestrus were 14.3+/-0.5, 22.6+/-1.0, 240.8+/-11.7, and 104.1+/-15.6 d, respectively. Annual reproductive patterns indicated a distinctive period of ovarian activity that extended from 13 May through 3 December (203.5+/-29.9 d) with all unmated females displaying from one to 14 estrous cycles. Progestagens were higher (p <0.001) in pregnant (n=4) than non-pregnant (n=10) cows. These data (1) reveal the value of fecal hormone monitoring for establishing the first ever endocrine profiles of female wildebeest in semi-free-living conditions in their native range, and (2) indicate that the species is a seasonal breeder that is polyestrous and a spontaneous ovulator. |
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Authors:
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A Moss Clay; R D Estes; K V Thompson; D E Wildt; S L Monfort |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Date: 2009-12-29 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: General and comparative endocrinology Volume: 166 ISSN: 1095-6840 ISO Abbreviation: Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. Publication Date: 2010 Apr |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-03-08 Completed Date: 2010-05-24 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0370735 Medline TA: Gen Comp Endocrinol Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 365-71 Citation Subset: IM |
Copyright Information:
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(c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
Affiliation:
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Conservation & Research Center, National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA. amossvan@hotmail.com |
Export Citation:
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APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Animals Breeding Ecosystem Estrous Cycle / metabolism* Feces / chemistry Female Kenya Lactation Luteal Phase / metabolism Male Parturition Pregnancy Progestins / analysis, metabolism* Reproduction / physiology* Ruminants / metabolism* Seasons Tanzania |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
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0/Progestins |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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