bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioral budgets of captive sea otter mother–pup pairs during pup development
Authors: Hanson M. Bradley , Bledsoe Lewis J. , Kirkevold Barbara C. , Casson C. J. , Nightingale John W. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractInstantaneous sampling of eight behavior categories for a captive mother sea otter (Enhydra lutris) and her four pups was conducted continuously during the first three months following each pup's birth. Initially, pup‐grooming and rest occupied the largest proportion of the mother's time. Despite a steady decline in the amount of time the mother spent pup‐grooming, the mother continued to groom the pup a substantial amount of time three months after the pup's birth. The proportion of time the mother spent resting, self‐grooming, or swimming did not change significantly over the study period, suggesting that these behaviors are important to the mother's self‐maintenance.The newborn pups' behaviors were initially limited to rest, active, and nursing, with large proportions of time spent resting and nursing. A significant increase in self‐grooming occurred regularly by week 2, followed by increases in swimming (week 3), diving (week 6), and feeding (week 7). Three months after birth, the pups' behavior budgets were similar to their mother, with the exception that pups self‐groomed substantially less than their mother self‐groomed. The lower proportion of pup self‐grooming may be due to the continued close proximity to their mother in captivity, which afforded extended association, and allowed the mother to continue to perform this complex behavior for the pup. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endocrine profiles during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in the Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
Authors: Brown Janine L. , Citino Scott B. , Shaw Jackie , Miller Chriss 
Published: June 2005

AbstractSerum samples were collected 1–3 times weekly from two Baird's tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) for 6 months in 1987–1988, and for more than 3 consecutive years beginning in 1989 to characterize hormone patterns during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Based on serum progesterone concentrations, mean (±SEM) duration of the estrous cycle (n = 20) was 30.8 ± 2.6 days (range, 25–38 days) with a luteal phase length of 18.1 ± 0.4 days (range, 15–20 days). Mean peak serum progesterone concentrations during the luteal phase were 1.35 ± 0.16 ng/ml, and nadir concentrations were 0.19 ± 0.03 ng/ml during the interluteal period. Distinct surges of estradiol preceded luteal phase progesterone increases in most (14/20) cycles. Gestation length was 392 ± 4 days for three complete pregnancies. Mean serum progesterone concentrations increased throughout gestation and were 1.83 ± 0.13, 2.73 ± 0.13, and 4.30 ± 0.16 ng/ml during early, mid‐ and late gestation, respectively. Serum estradiol concentrations began to rise during mid‐gestation, increasing dramatically during the last week of pregnancy. Patterns of serum estriol and estrone secretion during pregnancy were similar to that observed for estradiol. In contrast to progesterone and estrogens, serum cortisol concentrations were unchanged during pregnancy or parturition. Females resumed cycling 16.2 ± 2.0 days after parturition (n = 4) and, on two occasions, females became pregnant during the first postpartum estrus. These data suggest that the tapir cycles at approximately monthly intervals and that increases in serum progesterone are indicative of luteal activity. The interluteal period is relatively long, comprising approximately 40% of the estrous cycle. During gestation, progesterone concentrations are increased above luteal phase levels, and there is evidence of increased estrogen production during late gestation. The absence of increased cortisol secretion at the end of gestation suggests that this steroid does not play a major role in initiating parturition in this species. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Provisioning by captive yellow‐tufted honeyeaters (Lichenostomus melanops gippslandicus) acting as foster parents for helmeted honeyeater chicks (L. m. cassidix)
Authors: Miller M. A. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractA captive breeding program is being conducted with the endangered helmeted honeyeater (Lichenostomus melanops cassidix). Establishment of breeding stock involved cross fostering helmeted honeyeater chicks to breeding yellow‐tufted honeyeaters (Lichenostomus melanops gippslandicus). Data were collected on provisioning rates and food preferences of the foster parents in feeding chicks of the helmeted subspecies. Feeding rates varied from 5–6 each hour per chick in the first week to 8–10 per chick in week 3 and were similar for both one‐ and two‐chick broods. Chicks were considered independent by 6 weeks. Provisioning by the foster parents was evenly divided between the sexes. Insects were the main food item fed to nestlings (89.9%). Moths and mealworms were the two most frequently selected items and were the two largest items available. The continued increase of the captive population may provide individuals for release to the wild population, and techniques developed through captive management will help conserve wild populations. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spontaneous and induced ovulation in the lion (Panthera leo)
Authors: Schramm Ralph Dee , Briggs Michael B. , Reeves Jerry J. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe objective of this study was to clarify if ovulation occurs spontaneously, if it is copulation‐induced, or if a combination of both mechanisms controls ovulation in African lions. Five female lions were either permitted unrestricted copulatory activity with vasectomized males throughout estrus or were physically isolated from conspecifies for the duration of estrus. Each female was randomly exposed to each treatment in a switchback design during consecutive estrous cycles. Serum concentrations of progesterone were determined in blood samples collected on days 2, 8, 12, and 16 following the onset of estrus (day 0). Ovulation was indirectly confirmed by elevated serum concentrations of progesterone on days 8, 12, and 16. While ovulation occurred spontaneously in one of five isolated lions, five of five of the same lions ovulated following copulation (P ≤ 0.05). Following mating, concentrations of progesterone increased six‐ to twelve fold (up to > 109 ng/ml) between days 2 and 12, while in the same lions failing to ovulate following isolation, progesterone concentrations did not exceed 11 ng/ml by day 16. Inter‐estrous intervals following mating (67 ± 4.4 days) were longer (P ± 0.05) than those following isolation (19 ± 1.0 day). Thus, ovulation in African lions appears to be induced by copulatory stimuli or some other form of physical or social interaction with conspecifies during estrus but can occasionally occur spontaneously. The lion, therefore, does not appear to be a classic spontaneous ovulator but rather a reflex ovulator like the domestic cat. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reactions of zoo visitors to free‐ranging monkeys
Authors: Price Eluned C. , Ashmore Louise A. , McGivern Anne‐Marie 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThis study assessed the potential of two types of primate exhibit both for enhancing zoo visitors' interest, knowledge, and enjoyment and for promoting conservation education. Visitors' reactions to a free‐ranging group of cotton‐top tamarins were compared with their responses to caged tamarins in three ways: 1) timing how long visitors spent at each exhibit, 2) recording the comments made by visitors about the exhibits, and 3) asking visitors to respond to questionnaires about the two exhibits. The results showed that the free‐ranging group of tamarins provoked wider comment from members of the public than caged groups and that visitors were willing to spend much more time looking for and watching monkeys in trees than monkeys in cages. Visitors felt that improvements in the animals' welfare were obtained from allowing them to live free in the trees, thought that they could learn more from such groups than from caged animals, and enjoyed seeing the free‐ranging tamarins more than the monkeys in cages. These results suggest that developing more naturalistic zoo exhibits can have considerable benefits not only for the animals involved, but also for public education in conservation issues. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) milk composition during the first 280 days of lactation
Authors: Mainka Susan A. , Cooper Robert M. , Black Sandra R. , Dierenfeld Ellen S. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractMilk samples (n = 10) taken during the first 280 days of lactation from one Asian elephant were examined for nutrient composition including total solids, protein, fat, ash, α‐tocopherol, and retinol levels. Total solids averaged 19.7 ± 2.7% SD (range 15.0–23.3). Percent protein remained fairly stable throughout this portion of lactation and averaged 3.4 ± 0.3% (range 3.0–.4.0). Ash content averaged 0.54 ± 0.03%. Milk fat and fat soluble vitamin levels varied considerably with a suggestion of a cyclic pattern. Fat content of milk averaged 7.6 ± 2.6% (range 3.9–.12.1); α‐tocopheral levels averaged 0.33 ± 0.12 μg/ml; and retinol levels averaged 0.46 ± 0.1 μg/ml. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of behavior to evaluate reproductive problems in captive mammals
Authors: Lindburg Donald G. , Fitch‐Snyder Helena 
Published: June 2005

AbstractBehavioral 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 long‐term 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. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of environmental enrichment on reproduction
Authors: Carlstead Kathy , Shepherdson David 
Published: June 2005

AbstractAlthough there have been few demonstrations of a direct empirical relationship between environmental enrichment and reproductive success in captive animals, indirect and anecdotal evidence indicates the importance of physical and temporal complexity for reproduction. We discuss three major mechanisms through which environmental enrichment that specifically increases the complexity of an animal's surroundings may influence reproductive physiology and behavior: developmental processes, modulation of stress and arousal, and modification of social interactions. In complex environments developing animals learn that performing active behavior produces appropriate functional outcomes. Learning to control their environment influences their ability to adapt to novel situations, which may profoundly influence their reproductive behavior as adults in breeding situations. Chronic stress may compromise reproductive physiology and behavior; enrichment reduces stress by providing increased opportunity for behavioral coping responses. However, some degree of acute stress may be beneficial for reproduction by maintaining an animal's level of responsiveness to socio‐sexual stimuli necessary for sexual arousal and reproductive activation. Finally, environmental enrichment may influence reproductive success by stabilizing social groups, reducing aggression and increasing affiliative and play behaviors. It is concluded that multi‐variate multi‐institutional behavioral research in zoos will play an increasingly important role in the successful captive propagation of many species by closely examining relationships between environmental variables and reproductive potential of individual animals. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Survey and interzoo studies used to address husbandry problems in some zoo vertebrates
Authors: Mellen Jill D. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractIn addition to genetic and demographic considerations, SSP coordinators have been asked to systematically address husbandry issues. Three approaches to the study of captive management issues are typically used: (1) large numbers of individuals are housed at a single institution maintained in a situation that facilitates systematic evaluation of the captive environment, (2) an investigator travels to many institutions to gather data on a single taxon, or (3) an investigator surveys existing information by assembling data from a large number of individuals at a variety of institutions. Each approach has both advantages and disadvantages in terms of feasibility and the type of results obtained. The use of surveys to obtain information about husbandry parameters from a large number of animals maintained at a variety of zoos is quite possibly the most common approach used among zoo managers. Zoo husbandry surveys are typically developed to address issues problematic to a particular species, including reproductive failure and health issues. Unfortunately, surveys appear to be an often misused research tool among zoo professionals. Surveys can be improved by working with psychologists or sociologists at local universities, by narrowing the focus of the survey's purpose, and by carefully constructing each question. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Managing the social environments of flamingos for reproductive success
Authors: Stevens Elizabeth F. , Pickett Charles 
Published: June 2005

AbstractRecent research has shown that large flamingo flocks are more likely to experience reproductive success than small flocks and that there is a positive relationship between behavioral stimulation from group displays and reproductive success. This study compares the group displays and reproductive success in a captive flock of Caribbean flamingos over 6 years at the National Zoological Park. Birds were added to the flock in two different years. In each case, the flock produced fertile eggs during the breeding season following the addition of new birds. Furthermore, the addition of new birds in 1988, and then again in 1991, significantly increased group display activity over the previous year when the flock size was lower. That the addition of birds stimulated group display activity suggests an alternative management strategy for promoting reproduction in captivity: separate birds in a flock and then reunite them prior to the breeding season. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Under‐ice observations of behavior of selected native and exotic fishes of the St. Lawrence river system
Authors: Whoriskey F. G. , Brown K. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractWinter behavior of two native fishes (yellow perch, Perca flavescens, and killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus) and an exotic (goldfish, Carassius auratus) were studied in an outdoor experimental pond to quantify and link behavior to environmental conditions, and to identify interactions among the species that now co‐occur in the wild. Killifish had high mortality and were not observed. However, contrary to our predictions, perch and goldfish had good overwinter survival and remained active in winter, and neither species spent most of their time in the warmest layer of the water column. Only two instances of aggression were seen: in both, goldfish charged perch. Both species were found principally in groups (schools); goldfish spent 18% of their time in multispecies groups. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mother‐cub relationships in giant pandas in the Qinling Mountains, China, with comment on rescuing abandoned cubs
Authors: Lu Zhi , Pan Wenshi , Harkness Jim 
Published: June 2005

AbstractSix cases of mother‐cub relationships in wild giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) were observed in the Qinling Mountains, China. It was found that panda cubs are normally left alone in the den for 4–8 h while mothers forage. The mother's absence during bouts of foraging should be considered when rescuing abandoned cubs in order to avoid adding to the decline of the wild population. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reproductive parameters of mandrills at the Tulsa Zoo
Authors: Bettinger Tammie , Wallis Janette , Morris Amy 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe genital swelling patterns and birth records of female mandrills housed at the Tulsa Zoo between 1979 and 1992 were examined to determine various reproductive parameters. Mean age at first adolescent genital swelling was 2.7 years (sd = .55), first adult swelling was 3.7 years (sd = .64), and first conception was 5.1 years (sd = 1.30). Genital swelling cycle duration averaged 39.6 days (n = 33 cycles), with the swelling phase averaging 19.5 days (n = 51 cycles). There was no interindividual difference in cycle length (F = 1.26, P = .31) or swelling duration (F = 0.65, P = .58), nor was there a difference in cycle length (F = 0.47, P = .50) or swelling duration (F = 1.27, P = .27) before and after first parturition. Duration of gestation was estimated to be 165.9 days (sd = 3.3; n = 17 pregnancies). Lactational anestrus averaged 10.1 months, whereas mean interbirth interval was 17.9 months (n = 11). There was a significant negative correlation between age of the mother and interbirth interval (r = −;0.648, P = .03). Data presented in this report provide a comprehensive profile of reproductive parameters for zoo‐housed mandrills, which may aid other facilities in the reproductive management of their captive groups. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Infant development in two aquarium bottlenose dolphins
Authors: Reid Kylie , Mann Janet , Weiner Jacqueline R. , Hecker Nedra 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe behavioral development of two aquarium bottlenose dolphin calves, one male (born to a primiparous mother) and one female (born to a multiparous mother), was examined. From birth to 9 weeks of age, a total of 558.7 h of nursing and behavioral data were collected using focal sampling methods. Data from both calves revealed a pattern of increasing independence as they aged, but there were significant differences between the two calves. Suckling rates, mean suckles per bout, suckling bout rates, and bout durations for the male calf were higher than those for the female calf throughout the study. These frequencies declined significantly over time in the male's case but not in the female's case. Her suckling durations (lock‐on time) were longer than his. The male spent more time in infant position (under the mother) than the female calf and less time swimming in echelon position (alongside the mother). Over time, the male spent less time in infant position, and the female calf spent more time socializing and less time echelon swimming. Both calves decreased the amount of time spent close to their mothers over the 9 week period, and the mothers decreased their role in proximity maintenance over time. We suggest that factors related to maternal primiparity caused the male calf to develop an effective compensatory response of frequent nursing and spending more time in infant position. Both calves survived and were healthy at the end of the observation period. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Giant panda diets fed in five Chinese facilities: An assessment
Authors: Dierenfeld Ellen S. , Qiu Xianmeng , Mainka Susan A. , Liu Wei‐Xin 
Published: June 2005

AbstractInformation on diets fed to captive giant pandas in five Chinese facilities (Beijing Zoo, Chengdu Zoo, China Conservation and Research Center, Fuzhou Zoo, and the Xian Zoo for the Giant Panda) in which pandas have successfully reproduced was compiled from publications and/or personal communications. Each facility feeds a steamed grain mixture comprising 13–56% of the diet on an as‐fed basis, animal products (milk, eggs, and/or meat; 8–25% of the diet), and bamboo (17–82% of the diet). Seasonally available fruits and/or vegetables are sometimes included (0–29% of the diet). Typically, bamboo is offered throughout the day in small increments, while the remaining diet (concentrate portion) is fed in two meals. Despite the variety of ingredients in the concentrate recipes among institutions, there was remarkable similarity in nutrient composition: 55–65% water, 13–19% crude protein (CP), 2.5–4.0% crude fat (CF), and 2–5% ash (Ca, 0.2–0.9%; P, 0.4–0.8%) (all nutrients except water expressed on a dry matter (DM) basis). Calculated digestible energy content averaged about 3.3 kcal/kg DM. With the addition of animal products, bamboo, and produce, total diet composition averaged 51% water and, on a DM basis, 12% CP, 5.0% CF, 20–57% NDF (fiber), 0.5% Ca, 0.4% P, and 50–150 mg/kg vitamin E. These specifications are similar to nutrient requirements established for domestic canids and would appear adequate to meet the (as yet unestablished) requirements of the giant panda in captivity. Formulations for mineral and vitamin supplements to balance concentrate portions of these basic diets are included. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessment of conservation units for the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis)
Authors: Amato George , Wharton Dan , Zainuddin Zainal Z. , Powell Jeffery R. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractAn assessment of conservation units for the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) was conducted using a population aggregation analysis (PAA) of mitochondrial DNA site substitutions. Populations were defined as the three geographically separated regions of West Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. The intent of this assessment was to explore management options for this highly endangered lineage rather than conduct a traditional taxonomic revision.Individual DNA positions were not diagnostic for any population. A single haplotype provided a character as support for diagnosing the West Malaysian and Bornean population. The haplotypes on West Malaysia and Sumatra were more similar to each other than either was to the one on Borneo. These data, and a review of the morphological characters, support the option of treating Sumatran rhinos as a single conservation unit, providing managers with greater flexibility in managing the unique Dicerorhine lineage. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Killer whale (Orcinus orca) reproduction at Sea World
Authors: Duffield Deborah A. , Odell Daniel K. , McBain James F. , Andrews Brad 
Published: June 2005

AbstractSea World has maintained killer whales (Orcinus orca) since 1965. The total killer whale inventory (1965–1993) has included 39 whales (25 females, 14 males); 28 were wild‐caught and 11 captive‐born, including one second‐generation calf. As of September, 1993, there were 19 whales in the breeding program. Ten of these whales (53%) were captive‐born, either at Sea World or other facilities in North America. The live wild‐caught whales ranged in estimated age from 12–27 years (x̄ ± sd = 17.6 ± 4.2 years). The captive‐born whales ranged in age from <1 to 8 years. In the Sea World breeding program (through September, 1993), there have been nine live births and one stillbirth, with eight calves part of the current inventory. Births occurred from July to February. Calving intervals ranged from 32–58 months. Female age at birth of first calves ranged from 8 years to an estimated 17 years (x̄ ± sd = 12.7 ± 3.0 years). Gestation, based on conception estimates from serum progesterone analysis, averaged 17 months (x̄ ± sd = 517 ± 20 days), but successful pregnancies with viable calves occurred from 15–18 months (468–539 days). Females, in the presence and absence of males, were polyestrus with periods of cycling interspersed with individually variable noncycling (presumed anestrous) periods ranging from 3–16 months. Mean serum progesterone levels (±se) were as follows: noncycling periods = 121 ± 20 pg/ml; peak elevations during nonconceptive ovulatory (estrous) cycles = 3,962 ± 2,280 pg/ml; first pregnancies = 14,592 ± 3,854 pg/ml; second pregnancies = 8,389 ± 395 pg/ml; and third pregnancy = 8,180 ± 4,556. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.