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Fecal progestagen concentration as an indicator of the estrous cycle and pregnancy in moose
| Title | Fecal progestagen concentration as an indicator of the estrous cycle and pregnancy in moose |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 1995 |
| Authors | Schwartz, CC, Monfort, SL, Dennis, PH, Hundertmark, KJ |
| Journal | Journal of Wildlife Management |
| Volume | 59 |
| Pagination | 580–583 |
| Keywords | alaska, alces alces, estrus, feces, female ungulates has implications, for ecological, gestation, moose, ovarian activity in, progestagen, reproduction, reproductive synchrony, studies of breeding and, the capability to track |
| Abstract | We established a noninvasive technique for monitoring the estrous cycle and pregnancy in moose (Alces alces). We collected fecal samples daily from nonpregnant yearling females (n = 3) for the duration of 3-4 estrous cycles, and weekly throughout gestation from 3 pregnant adult cows. We analyzed samples by radioimmunoassay (RIA) to quantify the concentration of progestagen metabolites. Peak luteal phase concentrations of progestagens were 4.5 ? 0.9 (SD) ,g/g compared with 0.5 ? 0.1 ;g/g during the follicular phase. Observed (n = 7) and suspected (n = 2) matings all occurred within ?2 days of the nadir in progestagen excretion. Fecal progestagens were above peak luteal phase concentrations by the eighth week of gestation (>77 g/g of feces, P < 0.001), permittinga ccurate pregnancyd etection by this time. Relative concentrations of fecal progestagens during the follicular phase, luteal phase, and pregnancy were 1:10:35, respectively. Monitoring fecal progestagen is a useful noninvasive technique for tracking ovarian activity and pregnancy in moose. |