Fecal Concentrations of Cortisol, Testosterone, and Progesterone in Cotton-Top Tamarins Housed in Different Zoological Parks: Relationships Among Physiological Data, Environmental Conditions, and Behavioral Patterns

Abstract

Additional information:Use policyThe full-text may be used and/or reproduced, and given to third parties in any format or medium, without prior permission or charge, for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-prot purposes provided that:• a full bibliographic reference is made to the original source • a link is made to the metadata record in DRO • the full-text is not changed in any way The full-text must not be sold in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders.Please consult the full DRO policy for further details. The aim of this investigation was to study the welfare of three captive groups of cotton-top tamarins housed in different zoological parks. Ethological observations were conducted over one year. In addition, fecal samples were collected and the concentrations of glucocorticoids, androgens, and progestagens were measured. Within each group, no significant differences in fecal cortisol concentrations were found between subjects. The fecal concentrations of testosterone and progesterone significantly differed depending on the sexes and ages of the tamarins. A significant association was found among hormone concentrations, exhibit dimensions, and group composition. A highly significant correlation was found between all hormones considered and the space available for each subject. Significant differences in behavioral patterns were observed among groups, including social-individual, affiliativeaggressive, and anogenital-suprapubic scent marking. Correlations between hormone measurements and behaviors were detected. In conclusion, this study confirmed the associations between some behaviors exhibited by these nonhuman primates and both cortisol and testosterone; these data also highlight the role played by progesterone in these behaviors. Keywords: captive management, hormones, stress, Saguinus oedipusAs the issue of nonhuman animal welfare has become increasingly important, many studies have assessed animal well-being in captivity (Candland & Bush, 1995;Kleiman, Allen, Thompson, & Lumpkin, 1992;Maple & Perkins, 1996;Moran & Sorensen, 1984), and zoological facilities now pay close attention to providing species with appropriate environments. Each species has different needs, so it is important to assess the best parameters for managing a given species in captivity to maintain animal health. This topic becomes even more essential when working with species at high risk of extinction and captive individuals who can be reintegrated into the wild. Hershkowitz, 1977), and average size (Ferrari & Ferrari, 1989;Tardif, Richter, & Carson, 1984). However, most of these studies have examined behavioral aspects only and neglected the endocrine component, which is known to be of great importance in maintaining organisms' homeostasis and therefore adaptation to their environments and well-being.Consequently, it is very important to analyze hormone levels, even if their fluctuations are not always easy to understand. The ability to collect physiological and behavioral data ...

Patterns of Behaviour, Group Structure and Reproductive Status Predict Levels of Glucocorticoid Metabolites in Zoo-Housed Ring-Tailed Lemurs, Lemur catta

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