Delayed implantation is under environmental control in the badger (Meles meles L.)

Canivenc, R; Bonnin, M.

doi:10.1038/278849a0

Cited by 21 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…In eutherians exhibiting embryonic diapause, including the spotted skunk (Mead & Eik-Nes, 1969), badger (Bonnin, Canivenc & Ribes, 1978) and mink (Meiler, 1973;Allais & Martinet, 1978), the termination of diapause is associated with secretion of progesterone by the newly active corpus luteum. Moreover, for mink subjected to a 14L:10D photoperiod (Allais & Martinet, 1978) and for badgers placed in an artificial winter photoperiod (Canivenc & Bonnin, 1979), the period of diapause was shortened and, after the change in photoperiod, plasma progesterone levels were similar to those observed at the normal time of implantation and during pregnancy. Similar correlations can be made with the progesterone concentrations found in this study of the tammar, particularly with respect to the transient peak of progesterone described by Hinds & Tyndale-Biscoe (1982a).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 88%

Effect of changing photoperiod on peripheral plasma prolactin and progesterone concentrations in the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)

Hinds¹,

Ottolander²

1983

Reproduction

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Summary. In tammar wallabies kept in normal daylengths between the equinoxes, births occurred at the normal time after the summer solstice and the progesterone profile reflected this cycle. There were no significant changes in plasma prolactin. In tammars placed in a 15L : 9D photoperiod and then, 5 weeks later, in 12L :12D, births occurred 29\p=n-\36 days after the daylength was reduced. A characteristic transient peak of plasma progesterone occurred 8\p=n-\14 days after the change, indicating a delay of 3\p=n-\9 days in the resumption of luteal activity. Plasma prolactin levels were significantly higher (> 40 ng/ml) (P < 0\m=.\01)during the solstitial daylength, declining to <30 ng/ml within 14 days of the reduction in photoperiod. Animals kept in 12L : 12D and then in 9L :15D gave birth asynchronously after entry into the pens, suggesting that this daylength (12L:12D) is permissive. Changes in plasma progesterone reflected the resumption of luteal activity but no significant changes in plasma prolactin were observed.This study shows that the inhibition of the corpus luteum in seasonal quiescence can be maintained in the presence or absence of elevated prolactin levels, indicating that other factors, perhaps of pineal origin, may also be involved.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 88%

Effect of changing photoperiod on peripheral plasma prolactin and progesterone concentrations in the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)

Hinds¹,

Ottolander²

1983

Reproduction

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“…In common with a number of other mustelids, the badger exhibits delayed implantation, with blastocysts implanting around the time of the winter solstice, in the second half of December, with birth following approximately 6-7 weeks later (Neal and Harrison 1958;Woodroffe 1995). Previous studies have emphasised the role of photoperiod in regulating this reproductive cycle (Canivenc and Bonnin-Laffargue 1979). The present study suggests that the lunar cycle with its shorter duration, compared to the seasonal cycle, has the potential to act as a medium-term regulator of reproductive behaviour in this species.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Lunar-related reproductive behaviour in the badger (Meles meles)

Dixon

Bishop

et al. 2006

acta ethol

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Cyclicity in behaviours, including reproduction, in relation to the lunar cycle is widely documented in some phyla, but weak or unknown in Class Mammalia. In this paper we present long-term video surveillance data of wild Eurasian badgers Meles meles, which reveal a strong correlation between reproductive behaviour and the lunar cycle. Squat marking and raised-leg urination, which increase in frequency at times of reproductive activity, showed maxima around day 22 of the lunar cycle (i.e. new moon). These findings were supported by observations of matings, together with published records, which showed significantly higher occurrence in the lunar dark phase (last quarter to first quarter). We propose that the lunar cycle has the potential to act as a regulator of the reproductive cycle in the badger.

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“…On 24 February 1984, badger F1 gave birth to cubs F3 and F4. Assuming a 45-day postimplantation gestation (Canivenc, 1966;Canivenc & Bonnin, 1979), implantation probably occurred around 10 January. During pre-implantation gestation, the TB of this female had fallen as low as 28.4 "C, but her mean daily TB was approximately 32.1 "C at implantation.…”

Section: Overwintering and Reproduction In The Femalementioning

confidence: 99%

Overwintering strategies of the badger, Meles meles, at 57 °N

Fowler

Racey

1988

Journal of Zoology

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With 7 figures in the text)Over two eight-month periods (October/November-May) during successive winters (1983/4 and 1984/5), the body temperatures and activity patterns of captive badgers, Meles rneles, living under semi-natural conditions, were studied at 57 "N in Scotland. Temperature-sensitive radio transmitters and automated telemetry systems provided long-term records of body temperatures and times badgers were absent from an artificial sett.Badger body temperatures of 28-34 "C, significantly below euthermic levels, were recorded between October/November and March each winter, with differences between mean daily maxima and minima varying from 1.6 to 8.9 "C. This was associated with a reduction, by up to 90%, in the time that the badgers spent outside their sett in mid-winter. Body temperatures did not show circadian cyclicity, but from February onwards most locomotor activity occurred between 22:OO and 02:OO GMT. The extent to which activity was concentrated around midnight increased with decreasing night length in spring.The body temperatures of one female badger fell to a nadir of 28 "C immediately prior to ovoimplantation. During post-implantation gestation, the body temperature of this female rose steadily, but had reached only 34.6 "C at parturition.Photoperiod correlated closely with seasonal changes in body temperatures and activity levels, and is suggested as the primary synchronizer of seasonal activity and body temperature cycles. Other environmental variables, particularly ambient temperature and snow-cover, appeared to act as modulating influences on these cycles.It is postulated that during the winter, when climatic conditions are responsible for a shortage of food and an increase in heat loss, winter lethargy is an adaptation which enables the European badger to maintain energy balance. Reduced activity and confinement within sheltered setts, together with reduced body temperatures, enable the badgers to rely heavily on energy stored in adipose tissue during the autumn.

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Delayed implantation is under environmental control in the badger (Meles meles L.)

Cited by 21 publications

References 3 publications

Effect of changing photoperiod on peripheral plasma prolactin and progesterone concentrations in the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)

Effect of changing photoperiod on peripheral plasma prolactin and progesterone concentrations in the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)

Lunar-related reproductive behaviour in the badger (Meles meles)

Overwintering strategies of the badger, Meles meles, at 57 °N

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