Use of behavior to evaluate reproductive problems in captive mammals

Abstract

Behavioral analyses constitute a logical starting point for discerning the causes of reproductive failure in captive mammals and should be completed before moving on to more invasive diagnostic procedures. Behavioral inadequacies affecting reproductive performance may be attributable to deficient early rearing environments, to the social milieux in which breeding-age animals are held on a longterm basis, or in the way pairings for mating are staged. Diagnoses may be focused on uncovering motivational, motoric, social, or communicative deficiencies. A biologically based approach which integrates species-typical behavior with concerns for genetics, physiology, and health in designing breeding programs Will improve prospects for success. 0 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Fecal corticoid metabolite measurement in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

“…However, because females do not invariably show behavioral estrus [Lindburg and Fitch-Snyder, 1994], the protocol used to obtain matings entailed the introduction of males into the temporarily vacated pens of females for a 15 min period of exposure to their scent. Three females were tested on each day, and testing was conducted three days per week (MoWeFr) for 4-6 weeks at 6-month intervals (or less, depending on conception rates and capacity for holding new offspring).…”

“…Females that fail to experience ovarian activity can be allocated to two classes: those that seem to remain physiologically quiescent throughout their entire lives and those that experience one or two estrous periods on becoming sexually mature, or shortly after a change in surroundings but are otherwise quiescent, [Lindburg et al, 1985;Lindburg and Fitch-Snyder, 1994]. A small number of captive females, i.e., < 20% [Marker and O'Brien, 1989], reproduce more or less continuously under captive conditions.…”

Hormonal and behavioral correlates of estrus in captive giant pandas

“…More recently, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimated that approximately 2,500 animals were left in the wild [IUCN, 1996]. Historically, the giant panda has reproduced poorly in captivity, and reproductive rates in captivity have been lower than those projected for wild populations [Lindburg and Fitch-Synder, 1994]. In the 1980s the captive population consisted predominantly of wild-born animals [Shuling et al, 1997].…”

“…In captivity, successful reproduction of solitary mammals depends on the ability of animal managers to detect estrus for the accurate timing of pairing and artificial insemination [Lindburg and Fitch-Synder, 1994]. In China, researchers estimated that they were unable to detect estrus in 80% of captive 5-20-year-old females [Shuling et al, 1997].…”

Social factors influence ovarian acyclicity in captive African elephants (Loxodonta africana)

“…Failure of ex situ populations to reproduce at levels comparable with the wild can be caused by a lack of species-appropriate socio-environmental conditions [Lindburg and Fitch-Synder, 1994]. Thus, captive managers need detailed knowledge of the life history traits and social organization of each species to ensure successful propagation in captivity [Wielebnowski, 1998].…”