Reproductive behaviour and food consumption associated with the captive breeding of platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

2002 ◽  
Vol 256 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norm Holland ◽  
Stephen M. Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Food Consumption ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus

scholarly journals Captive Hill Mynah Gracula religiosa breeding success: potential for bird conservation in Thailand?

2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
MANEE ARCHAWARANON
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Bird Conservation ◽  
Species Survival ◽  
Conservation Problem ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Nest Materials

Hill Mynah Gracula religiosa is one of the most popular bird pets worldwide due to its ability to mimic diverse sounds, especially human speech. However, Mynahs have rarely been bred in captivity, so nestlings from natural populations are in large demand, resulting in many populations being threatened with extinction. Both subspecies in Thailand, intermedia and religiosa, are costly and desired in the pet market. Captive breeding is one of the most practical strategies to solve a conservation problem of this nature and this report describes a success in breeding Hill Mynahs in captivity. Mated pairs were given free access to food, nest-cavities and nest materials. Reproductive behaviour in captivity was not different from that in the wild, with the exception that breeding occurred throughout the year, even during the non-breeding season for wild populations. Although there are doubts concerning the reintroduction of captive-bred birds and whether successful Hill Mynah breeding in captivity is an economically competitive alternative to poaching, it ensures species survival in captivity as the risk of extinction increases.

Female control of reproductive behaviour in the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), with notes on female competition for mating

Behaviour ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 155 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica L. Thomas ◽  
Marissa L. Parrott ◽  
Kathrine A. Handasyde ◽  
Peter Temple-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Female Competition ◽  
Time Investment ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Infrared Cameras ◽  
And Control

Abstract Opportunities for studying platypus courtship and mating behaviours in the wild are limited due to the nocturnal and cryptic nature of this species. We report on platypus courtship and mating behaviour from a successful breeding program at Healesville Sanctuary, Victoria, in which platypuses were held as either breeding pairs or trios over seven years. Behaviour was recorded daily on infrared cameras resulting in over 80,000 h of footage that was analysed for activity periods, and courtship and mating behaviours including non-contact and contact courtship, mating and avoidance. Our aims were to describe and quantify courtship and mating interactions between males and females, and to determine if either sex controlled the initiation and continuation of the behaviours. From our observations, we describe a new courtship behaviour, non-contact courtship, which constituted the majority of all mating season interactions between males and females. The time between first and last appearance of a courtship and mating behaviour was 41.0 ± 6.6 days, with the females showing behavioural receptivity for 29.6 ± 5.1 days. Female platypuses used three evasive strategies in relation to approaches by males: avoidance, flight and resistance. Females controlled the duration of 79% of encounters using resistance. For the first time, two females were seen competing with each other over access to the male platypus in their enclosure and for nesting material. Time investment in courtship and mating behaviours was a poor indicator of receptivity and breeding success, and we suggest that breeding failure is more likely to be associated with failure of fertilisation, nest building, embryonic development or incubation. We describe how female platypuses demonstrate evasiveness and control of courtship and mating behaviours, and the importance of providing these opportunities in captivity to promote successful breeding.

scholarly journals Breeding and hibernation of captive meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius)

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0240706
Author(s):  
Ethan A. Brem ◽  
Alyssa D. McNulty ◽  
William J. Israelsen
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Generation Time ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Laboratory Setting ◽  
Significant Excess ◽  
Short Generation Time ◽  
Potential Applications

Hibernating mammals exhibit unique metabolic and physiological phenotypes that have potential applications in medicine or spaceflight, yet our understanding of the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms of hibernation is limited. The meadow jumping mouse, a small North American hibernator, exhibits traits–including a short generation time–that would facilitate genetic approaches to hibernation research. Here we report the collection, captive breeding, and laboratory hibernation of meadow jumping mice. Captive breeders in our colony produced a statistically significant excess of male offspring and a large number of all-male and all-female litters. We confirmed that short photoperiod induced pre-hibernation fattening, and cold ambient temperature facilitated entry into hibernation. During pre-hibernation fattening, food consumption exhibited non-linear dependence on both body mass and temperature, such that food consumption was greatest in the heaviest animals at the coldest temperatures. Meadow jumping mice exhibited a strong circadian rhythm of nightly activity that was disrupted during the hibernation interval. We conclude that it is possible to study hibernation phenotypes using captive-bred meadow jumping mice in a laboratory setting.

scholarly journals Breeding and hibernation of captive meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ethan A. Brem ◽  
Alyssa D. McNulty ◽  
William J. Israelsen
Keyword(s):  
Food Consumption ◽  
Generation Time ◽  
Genetic Basis ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Laboratory Setting ◽  
Significant Excess ◽  
Short Generation Time ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Torpor Bouts

AbstractHibernating mammals exhibit unique metabolic and physiological phenotypes that have potential applications in medicine or spaceflight, yet our understanding of the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms of hibernation is limited. The meadow jumping mouse, a small North American hibernator, exhibits traits – including a short generation time – that would facilitate genetic approaches to hibernation research. Here we report the collection, captive breeding, and laboratory hibernation of meadow jumping mice. Captive breeders in our colony produced a statistically significant excess of male offspring and a large number of all-male and all-female litters. We confirmed that short photoperiod induced pre-hibernation fattening, and cold ambient temperature facilitated entry into hibernation. During pre-hibernation fattening, food consumption exhibited non-linear dependence on both body mass and temperature, such that food consumption was greatest in the heaviest animals at the coldest temperatures. Meadow jumping mice exhibited a strong circadian rhythm of nightly activity that was disrupted during the hibernation interval. We quantified the length and timing of torpor bouts and arousals obtained from an uninterrupted recording of a hibernating female. Over a 90.6 day hibernation interval, torpor bouts ranged from 2.1 to 12.8 days (mean 7.7 days), and arousal length was relatively constant with a mean length of 9.6 hours. We conclude that it is possible to study hibernation phenotypes using captive-bred meadow jumping mice in a laboratory setting.

Changes in the reproductive behaviour of the endangered Newfoundland marten (Martes americana atrata): implications for captive breeding programs

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel P Heath ◽  
Donald W McKay ◽  
Mac O Pitcher ◽  
Anne E Storey
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Scent Marking ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Receptive Female ◽  
Martes Americana ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Captive Breeding Program ◽  
Behavioural Interactions ◽  
Captive Breeding Programs

Behavioural changes associated with reproduction were studied in captive Newfoundland martens (Martes americana atrata), an endangered species. Patterns of scent-marking and behavioural interactions were recorded before and after a male was introduced to two females. After introduction of the male, marking by the receptive female increased, whereas the nonreceptive female marked less and became less active. Activity and marking bouts were significantly correlated throughout the day for the male and the receptive female, and they often marked in the same locations. The male marked more frequently when the receptive female was active and the female's marking was often associated with behavioural interactions. These findings suggest a major female influence on male marking and activity and suggest that marking may facilitate social interaction. In the spring following this study, the receptive female successfully whelped a litter, the first to be conceived and born in this captive breeding program. The results of this study may help establish successful protocols for captive breeding programs, and thus aid efforts to conserve this endangered species.

scholarly journals Understanding the Role of Semiochemicals on the Reproductive Behaviour of Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)—A Review

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3140
Author(s):  
Alexia Tommasi ◽  
Jacek A. Koziel ◽  
Annelin H. Molotsi ◽  
Giulia Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Reproductive Aging ◽  
International Union ◽  
Acinonyx Jubatus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Insight Into

The cheetah species (Acinonyx jubatus) is currently listed as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Captive breeding has long since been used as a method of conservation of the species, with the aim to produce a healthy, strong population of cheetahs with an increased genetic variety when compared to their wild counterparts. This would then increase the likelihood of survivability once released into protected areas. Unfortunately, breeding females have been reported to be difficult due to the age of these animals. Older females are less fertile, have more difficult parturition, and are susceptible to asymmetric reproductive aging whereas younger females tend to show a significantly lower frequency of mating behaviour than that of older females, which negatively affects breeding introductions, and therefore mating. Nonetheless, the experience from breeding methods used in some breeding centres in South Africa and the Netherlands, which also rely on the role that semiochemicals play in breeding, proves that cheetahs can be bred successfully in captivity. This review aims to give the reader an in-depth overview of cheetahs’ reproductive physiology and behaviour, focusing on the role that pheromones play in this species. Furthermore, it aims to provide new insight into the use of semiochemicals to improve conservation strategies through captive breeding.

The effect of genetic selection for lack of aggression towards humans on male reproductive physiology in the silver fox

2001 ◽  
Vol 2001 ◽  
pp. 16-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. V. Osadchuk
Keyword(s):  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Defensive Responses ◽  
Silver Fox ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Selection For ◽  
And Control

Most of silver foxes bred in captivity show predominantly defensive responses to human contact. Since early captive breeding humans have unconsciously carried out selection for tameness. Thus, artificial selection for the absence of aggressive and fearful responses to humans most likely played a key role in domestication process. To establish the genetic and physiological mechanisms of the early evolution of domestic animals, a model of silver fox domestication was developed at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics (Novosibirsk, Russia). A population of silver foxes has been produced in long-term selection for lack of aggression and fear towards humans (domestic behaviour). The method of selection and the behavioural changes in the course of selection have been described (Belyaev, 1979; Trut, 1995). Selected animals show no aggressiveness to humans and they are better adapted to captive conditions than their wild counterparts. The purpose of this study was to determine how behaviour selection influences testicular function in silver fox males. Plasma concentrations and testicular production of testosterone were determined in selected and control males in different parts of the reproductive cycle and prenatal life. In addition, reproductive behaviour and hormonal responses to opposite sex were estimated in the males of both behaviour groups. Sperm production and sexual activity were also compared between selected and control males.

scholarly journals Breeding and reproductive behaviour of the neo-tropical opossum, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902 under captive conditions

2022 ◽  
Vol 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Tardieu ◽  
G. W. Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Breeding System ◽  
Aggressive Behaviour ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
High Heat ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Breeding Behaviour ◽  
Management And Conservation

Abstract Developing a captive breeding system for the widely hunted Caribbean species of opossum Didelphis marsupialis insularis can greatly aide in the management and conservation of this species in the neo-tropics. Although this species possesses ideal traits for captive breeding in this region (tolerance to high heat and humidity, high reproductive rate, and resistance to disease), challenges due to its aggressive behaviour and limited information on its breeding behaviour have prevented a system from being developed for this species. The present study describes a breeding system, and the reproductive behaviour of this species under captive conditions. Six (1 male; 5 females) adult opossums were maintained and managed for breeding over a ten (10) month period. Pouch litter sizes averaged 5±2.5 with a range of 2 to 8. Gestation length was found to be 13.25±0.96 days and 4 litters (n=23) were successfully weaned at 11-13 weeks. It was found that the male D. m. insularis exhibits behaviours of interest that can serve as indicators for receptivity of the female, and overall, that this species can be successfully reared and bred under captive conditions in the neo-tropics.

Advances in the captive breeding and reproductive biology of the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus)

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Wallage ◽  
Lauren Clarke ◽  
Lindy Thomas ◽  
Michael Pyne ◽  
Lyn Beard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Temperature ◽  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Causal Effect ◽  
Reproductive Activity ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Before And After ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Difficult Challenge ◽  
Tachyglossus Aculeatus

Captive breeding of the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) has proven a difficult challenge; as recently as 2009, there were fewer than 10 echidnas born in captivity. We present observations of captive reproductive behaviour following video surveillance and measurements of body temperature collected from six captive female echidnas over a six-year period. In the first series of observations (2009–10) we examined the efficacy of artificial burrow boxes as possible aids for reproductive success. Females with access to burrow boxes had significantly higher levels of reproductive activity (P = 0.001), there was coincidental improvement in the production of eggs or pouch young (two eggs, one unhatched and one offspring). During 2009–10, a range of reproductive behaviours (courtship, copulation and postcopulation) were documented and analysed, as were new observations of oestrous cycle activity. Female body temperature was characteristically stable during egg incubation during this study and has the potential to be used as a tool for the assessment of reproductive status. Following initial observations, burrow boxes and infrared lamps were implemented as standard husbandry in our echidna breeding facility and the effects on reproductive success were monitored, albeit less intensively, for a further four years (2011–14). Although no direct causal effect could be ascribed, the use of burrow boxes and heat lamps coincided with a total of 13 young being born to four females in the last four years (2011–14). These female echidnas were found to be receptive at intervals throughout the breeding season, both before and after presumed incubation phases, suggesting that captive animals exhibit polyoestry. In 2012 and 2014, the same female showed evidence of producing two young from one breeding event.

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