Noninvasive Reproductive Monitoring in the Okapi (Okapia johnstoni)

Fecal progestagen analysis in okapis (Okapia johnstoni) was used for diagnosis of pregnancy and reproductive disorders, including a comparison of urinary and fecal progestagen analysis and endocrine data on the postpartum period. Data were generated on reliability of fecal progestagen analysis in ea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine 1999-12, Vol.30 (4), p.497-503
Main Authors: Schwarzenberger, Franz, Rietschel, Wolfram, Matern, Bernd, Schaftenaar, Willem, Bircher, Peter, Van Puijenbroeck, Bruno, Leus, Kristin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abortion
Abortion, Veterinary - physiopathology
Abortion, Veterinary - prevention & control
Animals
Breeding
Estrus - physiology
Feces
Feces - chemistry
Female
Fetus
Male
Mating behavior
Parturition
Postpartum Period - physiology
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Outcome
Pregnancy Tests - veterinary
Pregnancy, Animal - physiology
Pregnancy, Multiple - physiology
Progesterone Congeners - therapeutic use
Progestins - analysis
Progestins - deficiency
Progestins - urine
Ruminants - physiology
Steroids
Trenbolone Acetate - analogs & derivatives
Trenbolone Acetate - therapeutic use
Twins
Urine
Zoos
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Summary:Fecal progestagen analysis in okapis (Okapia johnstoni) was used for diagnosis of pregnancy and reproductive disorders, including a comparison of urinary and fecal progestagen analysis and endocrine data on the postpartum period. Data were generated on reliability of fecal progestagen analysis in early pregnancy diagnosis, and case reports were compiled involving single animals with missing luteal activity, abortion after twin pregnancy, and abortions due to deficient placental progestagen production. There was approximately 100-200-fold higher progestagen concentration in feces than in urine, thus explaining the high reliability of fecal progestagen evaluations in diagnosing luteal function and pregnancy. The postpartum period was characterized by lactational anestrus of several months duration, and a postpartum estrous cycle about 2-3 wk after parturition was observed in two of eight animals. An animal with five abortions due to deficient placental progestagen production was treated with altrenogest in a subsequent pregnancy and carried the fetus to term.
ISSN:1042-7260
1937-2825