bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproductive biology and management of captive black‐footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes)
Authors: Williams E. S. , Thorne E. T. , Kwiatkowski D. R. , Anderson S. L. , Lutz K. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractA captive breeding program is being conducted with black‐footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), an endangered species. Results of 5 years of study are reported. Simple, but specialized, nontraumatic handling techniques allowed assessment of reproductive status with minimal stress, which was important in breeding management. Black‐footed ferrets are sexually mature and may successfully reproduce in their 1st year. Proestrus lasts approximately 2‐3 weeks. Duration of estrus in unbred females was 32–42 days; females usually bred within 20 days. Most breeding activity occurred during April. Mean gestation length was 42.7 days (±0.7, range 42–45 days), litter size averaged 3.0 kits (±1.4, range 1–6 kits), and weaned kits/litter averaged 2.4 (±1.7, range 1–6 kits). Weaning rate of kits was 80%. Sex ratio of kits was essentially 1:1. Productivity was greatest among females ⩽3 years of age. Rapid expansion of the captive population is possible and will be important for genetic management of the species and for achieving the primary goal of the recovery program, which is to return black‐footed ferrets to the wild.
Genetic variability in the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx)
Authors: Vassart Marc , Granjon Laurent , Greth Arnaud 
Published: June 2005

AbstractAn electrophoretic survey of blood markers of the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) was undertaken in order to ascertain the genetic variability in a sample of 85 individuals, mainly from Saudi Arabian (Taíf) and Jordanian herds. Three out of 18 loci were found to be polymorphic (P = 16.7%) and the mean heterozygosity (H = 0.052) appears to be relatively high with respect to the severe demographic bottlenecks expressed by the species since the 1960s. No genetic differentiation was found between Arabian and Jordanian samples considered. Consequences of these findings for the management of the Taíf herd and for such procedures as pedigree determination are discussed, and an example of this latter application is given for a case of doubtful parentage.
Saudi gazelle (Gazella saudiya) is not a subspecies of Dorcas gazelle
Authors: Rebholz Wilhelmus E. R. , Williamson Douglas , Rietkerk Frank 
Published: June 2005

AbstractKaryotypes of Saudi gazelle (2n = 47 female, 2n = 50/51 male) are presented for the first time. The three karyotypes shown here vary in the numbers of metacentric chromosomes, but the cause of this variation is not yet known. Although Saudi gazelle are often regarded as a subspecies of Dorcas gazelle, the chromosome numbers and karyotypes of Saudi gazelle are too different from Dorcas gazelle (2n = 30 female, 2n = 31 male) for them to be considered a subspecies. It is also unlikely that these species would interbreed. In view of the present findings, the taxonomic status of this highly endangered gazelle needs to be resolved as soon as possible.
Conservation prospects for lion‐tailed macaques in Karnataka, India
Authors: Karanth K. Ullas 
Published: June 2005

AbstractA substantial proportion of the wild lion‐tailed macaque population occurs in Karnataka State, India. In this paper, problems of protecting the macaques and their habitats are discussed. Fairly large portions of the Karnataka habitat remain available. These are free of large‐scale shrinkage in area, but are experiencing deterioration in quality due to pressures from enclaves of human settlements, from developmental projects, and from timber/minor forest produce extraction. Illegal hunting is another threat to the population. A pragmatic, cost‐effective approach to conservation of rain forest habitats, centered around protection of nature reserves, with the lion‐tailed macaque as a flagship species, as opposed to a strategy based on captive propagation, is advocated.
Observations on reproduction, hormones, copulatory behavior, and neonatal mortality in captive Lemur mongoz (Mongoose lemur)
Authors: Perry Jean M. , Izard M. Kay , Fail Patricia A. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThis study examines correlates of reproduction in Lemur mongoz, an endangered prosimian primate with a history of poor captive reproduction. Male testicular growth and regression were quantified via testicular indices (TI). Although TIs could be used to predict male breeding condition, they were not indicators of ability to sire offspring. Serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) concentrations, along with vaginal cytology, were used to monitor female reproductive cyclicity. E2 and P profiles showed no abnormalities. An elevation of E2 with low P, approximately one estrous cycle length (31.4 days) prior to the onset of fertile cycles, was consistent with the phenomenon of ‘pseudoestrus’ observed in other lemur species. The copulatory pattern, consisting of thrusting, multiple intromissions, single or multiple ejaculations, and no copulatory lock, was more complex than expected for an animal with a supposedly monogamous mating system. The preference for natural arboreal substrata during copulation suggests that enclosure furnishings may influence copulatory behavior. A 30% neonatal mortality rate tempered recent success in breeding L. mongoz at the Duke University Primate Center (DUPC). Although infant sex and parity of the mother were not predictive of neonatal mortality, mother's natal status was, with captive‐born females having a 67% infant mortality rate, compared with 15% in wild‐caught females. Based on these observations, a number of factors, including housing, behavior, and photoperiod, may be relevant to successful captive propagation of L. mongoz. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adaptation of captive‐bred cotton‐top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) to a natural environment
Authors: Price Eluned C. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe reintroduction to the wild of captive‐born individuals could have an important role in saving some endangered species from extinction. However, such individuals may not have the necessary skills to survive in the wild. In order to assess their locomotor and orientation capabilities in a natural environment, a family of five captive‐bred cotton‐top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) was released into a wooded area in the grounds of the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust. Descriptive and quantitative data were collected during an intensive 10‐week study and a further 6 weeks of systematic monitoring. The tamarins coped well with the change of environment from cage to wood. As the study progressed, they used a wider range of strata, from the ground to heights of more than 15m, and began to use relatively thin (less than 10 cm diameter) diagonal branches rather than fixed horizontal supports such as nestboxes. Their range increased in area, and they spent less time resting and more time moving and feeding. Studies like this can provide information on the skills already possessed by captive‐born animals, as well as those which will have to be improved by more structured training programs, and therefore have important implications for the preparation of captive‐born primates for reintroduction to the wild. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing reproductive cycles and pregnancy in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) by vaginal cytology
Authors: Asa Cheryl S. , Junge Randall E. , Bircher J. Stephen , Noble Gary A. , Sarri Kristen J. , Plotka Edward D. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractVaginal cytology was used to monitor ovarian cycles, two pregnancies, and three pseudopregnancies. Vaginal smears were collected two or three times per week from three adult females; smears plus blood samples were collected once per week from a fourth, adolescent female. Mean cycle lengths, based on intervals between onset of leukocyte infusions, were 11.9 ± 4.9 days (n = 43 cycles), 10.8 ± 5.1 days (n = 49), and 12.3 ± 6.3 days (n = 7) for the three females. Weekly hormone data from the adolescent female revealed a correlation between serum estradiol and percent anuclear cells, suggesting that these cells may be indicative of estrus. The fourth female experienced two sustained, 6‐week increases in serum progesterone, one spontaneous and the other following follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) administration. Leukocyte infusions continued during these periods of increased progesterone secretion. However, leukocyte infusions ceased during the two pregnancies of one adult female and during two FSH‐induced pseudopregnancies of another. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intracelomic use of tricaine methanesulfonate for anesthesia of bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) and leopard frogs (Rana pipiens)
Authors: Letcher James 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe use of intracelomic injection of dissolved tricaine methanesulfonate (MS‐222) as an anesthetic agent in two anuran species was studied. Intracelomic MS‐222, at dosages of 100, 250, and 400 mg/kg, rapidly induced tranquilization or anesthesia. Effects were less pronounced or nonexistent at the 50 mg/kg dosage. Depth and duration of anesthesia were dosage related. At the 100, 250, and 400 mg/kg dosages, Rana pipiens attained a greater depth of anesthesia and remained anesthetized for a significantly greater duration than did R. catesbeiana. Dosages of between 250–400 mg/kg reliably induced deep anesthesia without mortality in bullfrogs. Dosages of less than 250 mg/kg are recommended for leopard frogs, since variable mortality was noted with higher dosages. Solubilized tricaine methanesulfonate did not cause gross or histopathological lesions to celomic tissues. Tricaine methanesulfonate injected intracelomically can provide rapid, efficient anesthesia in some anuran species. However, due to the observed intra‐ and interspecies variation in effect, it should be used cautiously, especially in unfamiliar species. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Effects of management practices on the timing of captive chimpanzee births
Authors: Alford P. L. , Nash L. T. , Fritz J. , Bowen J. A. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractMost wild and captive nonhuman primates give birth nocturnally. Circadian rhythm mechanisms are a principal determinant of the nonrandom initiation of labor, but it has been suggested that the decreased human activity and increased seclusion over the weekend in laboratory primate colonies may result in an effect whereby births are confined mainly to the quiet periods. This study tests for such an effect in the timing of 153 live, term births in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) housed in three institutions with various management practices. Eighty‐four percent of births occurred nocturnally, and peak delivery time was between 2400 and 0700 hours. When the total number of births was examined, significantly fewer births occurred on Wednesdays and Thursdays, during the mid‐week peak in colony activity, and significantly more births occurred on Sundays and Mondays. In facilities having marked alterations between weekday and weekend activity, significantly more births occurred Sunday and Monday. In the colonies where weekend and weekday surveillance and activity were similar, births were more evenly distributed throughout the week. These data suggest that parturition may be inhibited by routine colony activities that are perceived as stressful by some animals, and that the decreased activity and increased privacy on weekends may allow relaxation of parturient females, resulting in delivery during or immediately following the weekend. Colony managers should minimize colony activities that are potentially stressful to prepartal females in order to reduce risks to the fetus that may occur with delay or disruption of normal parturition. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Some notes on the physiological and behavioral ontogeny of okapi (Okapia Johnstoni) calves
Authors: Bennett C. , Lindsey S. Lyndaker 
Published: June 2005

AbstractFour okapi calves were monitored from birth for specific behavioral and physiological developmental phenomena. Substantial changes are appropriate in defining normal ranges and averages of some behavioral landmarks previously reported in the literature (i.e., birth weight, first time standing, first attempt to nurse, first successful nurse, and first defecation). Simple, minimally invasive habituation techniques were used to collect daily body temperatures and weights for the four calves from birth to at least 90 days of age. Body temperatures for this time period averaged 38.07°C. Okapi calves appear to take from 51 to 60 days of age to thermoregulate efficiently. The calves grow rapidly, doubling their birth weight within approximately four weeks (28 days), and tripling it by seven weeks of age (49 days). © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative evaluation of seminal, vaginal, and rectal bacterial flora in the cheetah and domestic cat
Authors: Howard JoGayle , Munson Linda , McAloose Denise , Kriete Martin , Bush Mitchell , Wildt David E. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractTo determine the status and potential impact of microorganisms on reproductive health, bacterial cultures were evaluated from cheetah seminal, vaginal, and rectal swabs and the results compared to those from clinically healthy, domestic cats. Aerobic bacteria were isolated in the semen from 26 of the 40 (65.0%) cheetahs and 25 of the 27 (92.6%) domestic cats. Gram‐negative organisms predominated in the electroejaculates of both species, accounting for >70% of the total bacterial isolates. The most common seminal organism in both species was hemolyticEscherichia coli. Bacteria were isolated from vaginal samples obtained from 49 of the 67 (73.1%) cheetahs and 46 of the 49 (93.9%) domestic cats. Gram‐negative organisms dominated, representing >63% of the vaginal bacteria, and again hemolyticE. coliwas the most prevalent isolate in both species. None of the cheetah or domestic cat vaginal cultures containedMycoplasma spp. orUreaplasma spp. Numerous gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria were identified in rectal cultures of 73 cheetahs and 60 domestic cats, but hemolyticE. coliclearly was the most common isolate. Within each species, a comparison between electroejaculates that were positive vs. negative for hemolyticE. coligrowth revealed no differences in sperm concentration, sperm motility ratings, or the proportion of structurally abnormal spermatozoa. Neutrophils were not detected in any of the 67 felid ejaculates, and the presence of seminal hemolyticE. coliwas unrelated to fertility, on the basis of past ability to sire young or fertilize oocytes in vitro. Vaginal cytologic evaluations in both the cheetah and domestic cat indicated that hemolyticE. coliwas not associated with a pathologic inflammatory response. Overall fecundity and proven ability to produce young were similar between females producing positive or negative vaginal cultures forE. coli. These findings indicate that commensal bacteria exist in the reproductive tract of the cheetah and domestic cat, and these organisms constitute normal, apparently innocuous bacterial microflora in the semen and vagina. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Infectious disease surveillance in captive and free‐living cheetahs: An integral part of the species survival plan
Authors: Evermann James F. , Laurenson M. Karen , McKeirnan Alison J. , Caro T. M. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractDuring the formulative stages of developing the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for the cheetah, the impact of infectious disease upon its survival in captivity was of prime consideration, together with genetics, nutrition, physiology, and behavior. This paper summarizes the results of an infectious disease surveillance program, initially designed to monitor the infectious agents associated with clinically normal and clinically ill cheetahs in captivity, but subsequently supplemented with data from free‐living cheetahs. The focus was on two viral infections, feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and feline rhinotracheitis virus. Results indicated that between 1989 and 1991, there was an increase in the seroprevalence (number antibody‐positive animals) of cheetahs to feline coronavirus from 41% to 64% in captivity. During this same time period, there were only two documented cases of FIP in cheetahs in the United States. The results suggest that feline coronavirus (feline enteric coronavirus‐‐feline infectious peritonitis group) or a closely related coronavirus of cheetahs is becoming endemic in the captive cheetah population.Further serologic results from 39 free‐living cheetahs demonstrated that there was a high seroprevalence (61%) to feline coronavirus, although serum antibody titers were considerably lower than those encountered in captive cheetahs. The observation of a high percentage of free‐living cheetahs, which were seropositive to feline herpesvirus (44%), was unexpected, since it has been generally regarded that this infection is primarily associated with cheetahs in captivity. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Noninvasive semen collection from an adult orangutan
Authors: Vandevoort Catherine A. , Neville Laurie E. , Tollner Theodore L. , Field Leslie P. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractPreservation of the genetic diversity of the captive orangutan, especially the wild‐caught founders, is critical in maintaining a long‐term population in zoological parks. One solution to the problem of maintaining maximum genetic diversity would be to initiate a program of artificial insemination for genetically underrepresented individuals through the banking and interinstitutional use of cryopreserved semen. However, little is known about basic orangutan semen characteristics, and current methodology is inadequate to support such a program. In this paper, we report the results of semen collection from an adult Sumatran orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus abelli), using an artificial vagina without anesthesia or electrical stimulation. A total of 27 ejaculates were evaluated during a 1‐year period. The total and liquid volumes of the ejaculates at 1 h following collection were 6.1 ± 0.6 ml and 2.6 ± 0.4 ml, respectively (mean ± SEM). The liquid portion continued to exude semen for 2 h; however, 90% of the motile sperm was exuded within the first 30 min. The total number of sperm in the ejaculate was 164 ± 106 ± 16.5, and the percentage of motile cells was 60 ± 2.7%. We conclude that the artificial vagina provides a promising technique for semen collection in the orangutan, and view these results as an initial step in developing methods for in vitro sperm capacitation, sperm cryopreservation, and artificial insemination. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The gross anatomy, cellular structure, and fatty acid composition of adipose tissue in captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus)
Authors: Colby Richard H. , Mattacks Christine A. , Pond Caroline M. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe gross anatomy, microscopic structure, and fatty acid composition of adipose tissue in four elderly polar bears (Ursus maritimus), that had each been in captivity for more than 24 years, were compared with that of young wild specimens. Total dissections were performed on two specimens. In both, the proportion of adipose tissue in the body was similar to that of younger wild bears, but the total adipocyte complement was smaller than that of the wild bears in one specimen, and within the normal range in the other. There was proportionately more intra‐abdominal adipose tissue, particularly in the inner ventral wall of abdomen depot, in which the number of adipocytes was substantially greater than expected. The fatty acid composition of the triacylglycerols differed substantially from that of the wild bears, reflecting their diet of fish, domesticated herbivores, bread, and fruit, but there were also significant differences between cage‐mates eating similar diets. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hybridization between ocelot (Felis pardalis) and puma (Felis concolor)
Authors: Dubost Gérard , Royère Jean‐Yves 
Published: June 2005

AbstractA captive‐living male Felis pardalis and female F. concolor produced four litters between 1990 and 1992. Both the body size and spot pattern of the offspring showed characteristics intermediate between those of the parents, but, in general, there was greater phenotypic similarity to the sire. Contrary to previous cases of felid hybridization, neither equal body size of the partners nor male physical dominance was necessary for copulation in these felids. This successful interbreeding confirms the position of the puma in the genus Felis, but also raises questions about phylogenetic relationships within the genus. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Old, socially housed rhesus monkeys manipulate objects
Authors: Novak Melinda A. , Musante Amy , Munroe Heather , O'Neill Peggy L. , Price Cristofer , Suomi Stephen J. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractRecent research has indicated that old, individually housed monkeys show little interest in novel objects. Yet unanswered is whether this effect is caused primarily by age or housing condition. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of social living in promoting responsiveness to objects. We measured the rates of object manipulation in older animals, assessed responsiveness over time to particular objects as a measure of habituation, and examined social influences on object use. Several social groups of rhesus monkeys that contained older adults were studied. These groups were housed in indoor pens or in an outdoor enclosure, and all monkeys had continuous access to a variety of objects in their home environment. In contrast to previous studies of individually housed monkeys, our group‐housed monkeys showed sustained interest in objects. Old monkeys manipulated objects extensively, and this response was all the more significant, given that the objects were not novel. Monkeys housed in an outdoor enclosure showed object manipulation patterns that were not different from monkeys housed in indoor pens. However, females exhibited much higher object‐related responses than males. Social facilitation played a role in the reactions of some monkeys to objects. Patterns of social facilitation as well as avoidance were present in two of the three indoor groups that were observed. Failure to manipulate objects in rhesus macaques appears to be more a function of individual housing than of old age. Factors such as environmental complexity, social needs, and early experience should be considered in order to understand why individually housed rhesus monkeys are unresponsive to objects. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enticing nonhuman primates to forage for their standard biscuit ration
Authors: Reinhardt Viktor 
Published: June 2005

AbstractOrdinary feeder‐boxes for macaques were converted into food puzzles by remounting them onto the square mesh (22 × 22 mm) of the front of the cages, away from original access holes. Feeding a standard ration of bar‐shaped biscuits (40 × 24 × 16 mm; Purina Monkey Chow #5038; 236 g per animal), 8 adult pair‐housed male rhesus macaques spent, on average, 61.0±15.6% of the first 30 min retrieving biscuits from food puzzles, but only 0.5±0.1% from feeder‐boxes. Their total amount of time engaged in gathering food was, on average, 141 times higher at food puzzles (42.2±7.2 min) than at feeder‐boxes (0.3±0.1 min). It was concluded that using feeder‐boxes as food puzzles, baited with the standard biscuit ration, offers a cost‐ and work‐effective way to promote foraging activities in captive nonhuman primates. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.