Estrous Cycle Based on Blood Progesterone Profiles and Changes in Vulvar Appearance of Malayan Tapirs (Tapirus indicus)

Abstract

Abstract. The progesterone (P4) profiles and macroscopic vulvar changes of female Malayan tapirs were investigated in order to understand their fundamental reproductive physiology and to search for visual indicators of estrus. Blood was collected once or twice a week from seven female Malayan tapirs kept at four zoos. Serum or plasma P4 concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. The P4 concentrations changed cyclically throughout the years, and a total of 56 cycles was confirmed in the seven females. The length of the estrous cycle based on the P4 profiles was 43.6 ± 2.0 days; however, this mean includes great variation in length, from 21 to 84 days. Mucous discharge from the vulva and vulvar swelling were seen when the P4 concentrations were low before the beginning of a rise in most cases. In conclusion, captive female Malayan tapirs have variations of approximately 1 to 3 months in estrous cycle length, and visual changes in the vulva are helpful in estimating estrus in female Malayan tapirs.

Estradiol-17β hormone concentration and follicles number in exotic Burgo chicken supplemented by Sauropus androgynus leaves extract

“…When the primordial follicle grows until the stage of de Graff follicle, those hormones are mutually interacted. Previous studies also reported that sexual steroid hormones such as P4, E2, estrone (E1), immunoreactive pregnanediol glucoronide (PdG), estradiol glucoronide (E2G) of female can be used widely to monitor natural ovarian activity such as functional luteal activity and follicular maturation and to confirm pregnancy (Adachi et al 2011;Kusuda et al 2006Kusuda et al , 2007aPutranto 2011c;Putranto et al 2007a, b, c).…”

Ejaculate Traits and Sperm Cryopreservation in the Endangered Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)

“…Hence, the reproductive biology of the Baird's tapir remains to be elucidated. Our current understanding of this species is based largely on direct observations and studies focused on the endocrinology of the female Baird's (Brown et al, 1994) and Malayan tapir (Kusuda et al, 2007). Briefly, Baird's tapir breed throughout the year in both hemispheres and typically produce a single offspring after 13‐month gestation.…”

Tapiridae

“…1 The only acceptable type of physical immobilization, which requires training, is the use of a large animal chute. 35 The recent increase in use of α 2 -adrenergic agonists, alone or in combination with other drugs, has decreased the need for ultrapotent narcotics such as etorphine and carfentanil. Tapirs may also be "scratched-down" to lateral recumbency, with a coarse horse brush or outdoor broom used to stroke the animal' s dorsum, neck, and the lateral and abdominal walls.…”

“…68 Females have bred as young as 13 months of age in captivity; therefore, the general recommendation is to separate them from unwanted breeding males from the age of 15 months. 7,35 Vulvar swelling, white and stringy mucous discharge, urine dribbling, and increased vocalization, as well as low progesterone levels may signify the onset of estrus. Estrus cycle length varies from 1 to 3 months but is generally considered to be monthly on the basis of progesterone levels.…”

“…3,68 Tapirs are nonseasonal breeders. 35 Estrus lasts 1 to 4 days, 3,7 during which multiple copulations may occur. 7,35 Vulvar swelling, white and stringy mucous discharge, urine dribbling, and increased vocalization, as well as low progesterone levels may signify the onset of estrus.…”