Changes in the fecal concentrations of cortisol and androgen metabolites in captive male jaguars (Panthera onca) in response to stress

Abstract

In the present study we determined the efficacy of the measurement of fecal cortisol and androgen metabolite concentrations to monitor adrenal and testicular activity in the jaguar (Panthera onca). Three captive male jaguars were chemically restrained and electroejaculated once or twice within a period of two months. Fecal samples were collected daily for 5 days before and 5 days after the procedure and stored at -20ºC until extraction. Variations in the concentrations of cortisol and androgen metabolites before and after the procedure were determined by solid phase cortisol and testosterone radioimmunoassay and feces dry weight was determined by drying at 37ºC for 24 h under vacuum. On four occasions, fecal cortisol metabolite levels were elevated above baseline (307.8 ± 17.5 ng/g dry feces) in the first fecal sample collected after the procedure (100 to 350% above baseline). On one occasion, we did not detect any variation. Mean (± SEM) fecal androgen concentration did not change after chemical restraint and electroejaculation (before: 131.1 ± 26.7, after: 213.7 ± 43.6 ng/g dry feces). These data show that determination of fecal cortisol and androgen metabolites can be very useful for a noninvasive assessment of animal well-being and as a complement to behavioral, physiological, and pathological studies. It can also be useful for the study of the relationship between adrenal activity and reproductive performance in the jaguar. Correspondence

Fecal cortisol content of wild giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) to monitor human disturbance level in natural habitats

“…However, plasma sample collection is an invasive method and requires the capture or manipulation of animals (von der Ohe et al, 2004;Young et al, 2004). Such capture, handling, sedation and/or transport can cause additional stress to animals (Brown & Wildt, 1997;Plame et al, 2000;Dehnhard et al, 2001;Morato et al, 2004).…”

“…This new technique has been applied to an increasing number of carnivore species, such as grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis; von der Ohe et al, 2004), wolf (Canis lupus; Creel et al, 2002;Sands & Creel, 2004), jaguar {Panthera onca; Morato et al, 2004), black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes; Young et al, 2001;Young et al, 2004), wildcat (Eelis silvestris; Pineiro et al, 2012), European pine marten (Martes martes; Barja et al, 2007) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica; Zwijacz-Kozica et al, 2013), among others. These studies have provided a new way of evaluating the inner physiological reaction of animals to interference.…”

Comparison of salivary cortisol concentrations in Jaguars kept in captivity with differences in exposure to the public

“…Animals in low stimuli, threatening and uncomfortable environments have high levels of corticosteroids (WIELEBNOWSKI, 2003;TILBROOK & CLARKE, 2006). High indices of plasmic, fecal, and salivary cortisol can be associated to psychological stress in several wild felids, as well, as domestic cats (NOGUEIRA & SILVA, 1997;CAUVIN et al, 2003;MORATO et al, 2004).…”

Infertility diagnosis in jaguar (Panthera onca): case report

“…Reprodução animais silvestres. Jaguar (Panthera onca) is considered an endangered species in Brazil (MORATO et al, 2004). …”

“…Moreover, captive jaguars live an average of 20 years, in some cases, 27 years; conversely, in the natural environment, their lifetime is estimated at between 12 and 16 years (MIRANDA; JOHN, 2010). As a consequence of this senescence and captivity conditions, effects on spermatogenesis and ovulation can also occur, which may promote perinatal morbidity, mortality and even infertility (MORATO et al, 2004). Therefore, it is necessary to discuss and understand the reasons that trigger infertility in captive animals.…”