Effects of Radio-Transmitters on Fecal Glucocorticoid Levels in Captive Dickcissels

Abstract We determined the effects of a leg-harness transmitter on fecal glucocorticoid levels of wild male Dickcissels (Spiza americana) in captivity. During the postbreeding season of 2001, we captured 10 male Dickcissels in central Missouri and housed them in individual pens of an outdoor aviary. We radio-tagged five birds; the other five were captured and handled, but were not radio-tagged. We collected fecal samples every other day prior to attachment (31 July–21 August) and after attachment (24 August–20 September). Body condition and morphology were similar between control and transmitter-equipped birds. We observed a significant interaction between transmitter attachment and time since attachment. Compared to baseline levels, fecal glucocorticoid metabolites were significantly lower in control (6.1 ± 13.7 ng g−1) than transmitter-equipped (102.3 ± 13.7 ng g−1) birds during the first 24 hr after attachment. Although transmitter-equipped birds showed elevated fecal glucocorticoid levels, the response was acute and returned to baseline levels within 48 hr. Efecto de los Radiotransmisores en los Niveles de Glucocorticoides Fecales en Individuos Cautivos de Spiza americana Resumen. Determinamos los efectos de poner un transmisor con arnés de pata en los niveles de glucocorticoides fecales de machos silvestres de Spiza americana en cautiverio. Durante la temporada post-reproductiva de 2001, capturamos 10 individuos de S. americana en la parte central de Missouri y hospedamos estas aves en jaulas individuales que formaban parte de un aviario al aire libre. Pusimos radio-transmisores en sólo cinco de estos pájaros, los otros cinco sólo fueron capturados y manipulados. Colectamos muestras fecales en días alternados antes (31 julio–21 agosto) y después (24 agosto–20 septiembre) de poner los transmisores. La condición corporal y morfología fueron similares entre individuos con transmisor y individuos control. Observamos una interacción significativa entre poner los transmisores y el tiempo desde que fueron puestos. Comparados con niveles iniciales, hubo diferencias significativas en los metabolitos de los glucocorticoides fecales entre los pájaros control (6.1 ± 13.7 ng g−1) y con transmisores (102.3 ± 13.7 ng g−1) durante las primeras 24 hr despues de ponerlos. Aunque los pájaros con transmisores mostraron niveles elevados de glucocorticoides fecales, la respuesta aguda regresó a niveles iniciales en menos de 48 hr.

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Using Fecal Glucocorticoids for Stress Assessment in Mourning Doves

The Condor ◽

10.1093/condor/105.4.696 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 105 (4) ◽

pp. 696-706 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Brian E. Washburn ◽

Joshua J. Millspaugh ◽

John H. Schulz ◽

Susan B. Jones ◽

Tony Mong

Keyword(s):

Body Mass ◽

Mourning Dove ◽

Zenaida Macroura ◽

Acth Challenge ◽

Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites ◽

In Captivity ◽

Mourning Doves ◽

Para Determinar ◽

Fecal Glucocorticoids ◽

Fecal Glucocorticoid

Abstract Fecal glucocorticoid assays provide a potentially useful, noninvasive means to study physiological responses of wildlife to various stressors. The objective of our study was to validate a method for measuring glucocorticoid metabolites in Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) feces. We validated the assay using standard procedures (e.g., parallelism, recovery of exogenous corticosterone) to demonstrate that the assay accurately and precisely measured glucocorticoid metabolites in Mourning Dove fecal extracts. We conducted adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) challenge experiments to validate the assay's ability to determine biologically important changes in fecal glucocorticoids. Fecal glucocorticoid levels increased significantly approximately 2–3 hr after administration of ACTH at 50 IU per kg body mass to wild Mourning Doves held in captivity. In contrast, fecal glucocorticoid metabolites did not increase in control birds, birds that received saline injections, or a lower dose of ACTH (1 IU per kg body mass). Variation in overall fecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels may have been influenced by season and the length of time birds were held in captivity. Noninvasive fecal glucocorticoid metabolite analyses, in combination with demographic information, may have considerable utility for monitoring the effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on Mourning Dove populations. Uso de Glucocorticoides Fecales Para Evaluar el Estrés en Zenaida macroura Resumen. Las evaluaciones de glucocorticoides fecales representan un medio no invasor potencialmente útil para estudiar las respuestas fisiológicas de los animales silvestres ante agentes causantes de estrés. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue validar un método para medir metabolitos glucocorticoides en heces de palomas Zenaida macroura. Validamos el método mediante procedimientos estándar (e.g., paralelismo, recuperación de corticosterona exógena) para demostrar que éste mide con exactitud y precisión los metabolitos glucocorticoides en extractos fecales de Z. macroura. Realizamos experimentos de desafío con adrenocorticotropina (ACTH) para validar la habilidad que tenía el método para determinar cambios biológicamente importantes en los glucocorticoides fecales. Los niveles de glucocorticoides fecales aumentaron de forma significativa aproximadamente 2–3 hr después de la administración de ACTH a 50 IU por kg de peso corporal a palomas silvestres mantenidas en cautiverio. En contraste, los metabolitos glucocorticoides fecales no aumentaron en aves control, ni en aves que recibieron inyecciones salinas o una menor dosis de ACTH (1 IU por kg de peso corporal). La variación en los niveles generales de metabolitos glucocorticoides fecales podría haber sido influenciada por la estación y la longitud del período de tiempo en que las aves fueron mantenidas en cautiverio. Los análisis no invasores de metabolitos glucocorticoides, en combinación con información demográfica, podrían ser de considerable utilidad para monitorear los efectos de los disturbios naturales y antropogénicos sobre las poblaciones de Z. macroura.

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Comparison of two commercial kits and two extraction methods for fecal glucocorticoid analysis in ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) submitted to ACTH challenge

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0100-736x2008000700002 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 28 (7) ◽

pp. 329-334 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Eduardo Antunes Dias ◽

Marcilio Nichi ◽

Marcelo A.B.V. Guimarães

Keyword(s):

Los Angeles ◽

Extraction Method ◽

Limit Of Detection ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Leopardus Pardalis ◽

Fecal Samples ◽

Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites ◽

Metabolite Concentrations ◽

Commercial Kits ◽

Fecal Glucocorticoid

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is included in list of wild felid species protected by CITES and is part of conservation strategies that necessarily involve the use of assisted reproduction techniques, which requires practical and minimally invasive techniques of high reproducibility that permit the study of animal reproductive physiology. The objective of this study was to compare and validate two commercial assays: ImmuChem Double Antibody Corticosterone 125I RIA from ICN Biomedicals, Costa Mesa, CA, USA; and Coat-a-Count Cortisol 125I RIA from DPC, Los Angeles, CA, USA, for assessment of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in ocelots submitted to ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) challenge. Fecal samples were collected from five ocelots kept at the Brazilian Center of Neotropical Felines, Associação Mata Ciliar, São Paulo, Brazil, and one of the animals was chosen as a negative control. The experiment was conducted over a period of 9 days. On day 0, a total dose of 100 IU ACTH was administered intramuscularly. Immediately after collection the samples were stored at 20C in labeled plastic bags. The hormone metabolites were subsequently extracted and assayed using the two commercial kits. Previously it was performed a trial with the DPC kit to check the best extraction method for hormones metabolites. Data were analyzed with the SAS program for Windows V8 and reported as means ± SEM. The Schwarzenberger extraction method was slightly better when compared with the Wasser extraction method (103,334.56 ± 19,010.37ng/g of wet feces and 59,223.61 ± 12,725.36ng/g of wet feces respectively; P=0,0657). The ICN kit detected an increase in glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in a more reliable manner. Metabolite concentrations (ng/g wet feces) on day 0 and day 1 were 66,956.28 ± 36,786.93 and 92,991.19 ± 28,555.63 for the DPC kit, and 205,483.32 ± 83,811.32 and 814,578.75 ± 292,150.47 for the ICN kit, respectively. The limit of detection for the ICN kit was 7.7 ng/mL for 100% B/Bo (25ng/mL for 88%B/Bo) and for the DPC kit it was 0.2ug/dL for 90.95% B/Bo (1ug/dL for 81.27% B/Bo). In conclusion it was confirmed that the Schwarzenberger extraction method and the ICN kit are superior for extracting and measuring fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in ocelot fecal samples.

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Mean fecal glucocorticoid metabolites are associated with vigilance, whereas immediate cortisol levels better reflect acute anti-predator responses in meerkats

Hormones and Behavior ◽

10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.08.008 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 66 (5) ◽

pp. 759-765 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Irene K. Voellmy ◽

Ines Braga Goncalves ◽

Marie-France Barrette ◽

Steven L. Monfort ◽

Marta B. Manser

Keyword(s):

Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites ◽

Cortisol Levels ◽

Fecal Glucocorticoid

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The ecology of an Australian reptile icon: how do blue-tongued lizards (Tiliqua scincoides) survive in suburbia?

Wildlife Research ◽

10.1071/wr00068 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 214 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

Jennifer Koenig ◽

Richard Shine ◽

Glenn Shea

Keyword(s):

Ecological Factors ◽

Home Ranges ◽

Minimal Risk ◽

Body Temperatures ◽

Avoided Crossing ◽

In Captivity ◽

Radio Transmitters ◽

Core Areas ◽

Study Sites ◽

Gravid Females

Although most species of large reptiles in the Sydney region are now restricted to remnant bushland, the blue-tongued lizard (Tiliqua scincoides) remains abundant. How has this large, slow-moving reptile managed to persist in the suburbs? We implanted radio-transmitters into 17 adult blue-tongued lizards and tracked them for six months (October 1998 to March 1999). Radio-tracked animals utilised 5–17 suburban backyards, but each lizard spent most of its time in a few ‘core’ areas near 2–7 shelter sites. Males had larger home ranges than females (mean of 12700 v. 5100 m 2 ) and moved further between shelter sites. Gravid females (mean home range 1000 m 2 ) were more sedentary. Lizards used corridors of dense vegetation to move between retreat sites, and actively avoided crossing roads. In sunny weather, lizards typically basked close to their overnight shelter for 1–4 h each morning until they obtained body temperatures of approximately 32°C. They maintained high body temperatures while moving about in the afternoon. In combination, the following ecological factors may facilitate persistence of blue-tongued lizards at our suburban study sites. (i) The most important subgroup of the population in terms of conservation are gravid females, which are highly sedentary and, thus, less likely to encounter the dangers of suburbia. (ii) The more ‘expendable’ males move about much more, but mostly in times and places that involve minimal risk from humans and their domestic pets. (iii) Lizards show strong site fidelity, spending up to 70% of their time in ‘safe’ locations; importantly, they avoid roads. (iv) Blue-tongued lizards readily utilise ‘artificial’ shelter sites and the commensal prey species (e.g. snails) found in most gardens. (v) These lizards can grow rapidly, mature early, and produce large litters. Because blue-tongued lizards have a long life span (over 30 years in captivity), populations of adults may persist for many years in the absence of recruitment.

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Assisted colonisation trial of the eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) to a fox-free island

Wildlife Research ◽

10.1071/wr16198 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 44 (7) ◽

pp. 484 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Rebecca Groenewegen ◽

Dan Harley ◽

Richard Hill ◽

Graeme Coulson

Keyword(s):

Habitat Use ◽

Body Condition ◽

Red Fox ◽

Suitable Habitat ◽

Viable Option ◽

Predator Exclusion ◽

In The Wild ◽

Radio Transmitters ◽

Release Group ◽

Small Sites

Context Assisted colonisation has the potential to protect species from intractable threats within their historical ranges. The Australian mainland subspecies of the eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) is extinct in the wild, with surviving populations restricted to small sites protected by predator–barrier fences. PVA modelling shows that a self-sustaining bandicoot population would require an area free of the introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes) of at least 2500ha. French Island is outside the historic range of the species, but is fox-free and contains around 9000ha of potentially suitable habitat. Aims This study will assess the suitability of French Island as a potential site for a self-sustaining eastern barred bandicoot population by conducting a 1-year assisted colonisation trial to assess habitat use, body condition and survival. Methods Between July and September 2012, 18 adult bandicoots were released. We radio-tracked bandicoots using intraperitoneal radio-transmitters for up to 122 days and trapped fortnightly. Key results The release group met the three measures of success: (1) appropriate habitat use; (2) recovery of post-release bodyweight; and (3) founder survival exceeding 100 days. Habitat use and body condition throughout the trial reflected that of mainland populations, and seven bandicoots survived longer than 100 days. Mortality was greatest in the first month, with veterinary investigations confirming two deaths due to cat predation, two deaths from toxoplasmosis and one unknown cause of death. Bandicoots that survived longer than 100 days occupied higher, drier ground than those that did not. Toxoplasmosis cases were associated with lower topographic position on the site. Conclusions Our results suggest that French Island provides suitable habitat for the establishment of a population of eastern barred bandicoots. On French Island, toxoplasmosis was identified as an important source of mortality in addition to cat predation, and warrants further investigation. Implications Given the costs and challenges of predator control and the maintenance of predator exclusion fences, assisted colonisation to one or more fox-free islands remains the most viable option to establish self-sustaining bandicoot populations. Our results highlight the value in conducting trial releases ahead of major translocations.

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Fecal cortisol metabolites as indicators of stress in crab-eating-fox (Cerdocyoun thous) in captivity

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/s0100-736x2015001000007 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 35 (10) ◽

pp. 859-862 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Regina C.R. Paz ◽

Nely P. Souza ◽

Janine L. Brown

Keyword(s):

Fold Increase ◽

Reproductive Activity ◽

Biological Research ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Fecal Cortisol ◽

Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites ◽

Physiological Relevance ◽

In Captivity ◽

Invasive Method ◽

Cortisol Metabolites

Abstract: Blood samples collection is a common method in biological research using domestic animals. However, most blood sampling techniques are complicated and highly invasive and may therefore not be appropriate for wildlife animals in research concerning stress. Thus, a non-invasive method to measure steroid hormones is critically needed. The first goal of this study was to determine how glucocorticoids concentrations are impacted by translocation and reproductive activity in crab-eating-fox (Cerdocyoun thous) in captivity. The physiological relevance of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites was further validated by demonstrating: (1) The translocation of a male to a females enclosure resulted in a 3.5-fold increase compared to baseline concentrations, (2) changes in adrenocortical activity, as reflected in concentrations of fecal cortisol metabolites during reproduction, gestation and lactation in females foxes, indicating that social interactions resulted in large increases of fecal glucocorticoids metabolites during the reproductive season. From these findings we conclude that fecal samples can be used for the non-invasive assessment of adrenocortical status in crab-eating-fox.

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Pleasingness vs Interestingness of Visual Stimuli with Controlled Complexity: Their Relationship to Looking Time as a Function of Exposure Time

Perceptual and Motor Skills ◽

10.2466/pms.1975.40.1.3 ◽

1975 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

pp. 3-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Gerda Smets

Keyword(s):

Exposure Time ◽

Binocular Rivalry ◽

Stimulus Pair ◽

Significant Interaction ◽

Visual Stimuli ◽

The Other ◽

Stimulus Complexity

Ss take more time to perceive interesting/displeasing stimuli than uninteresting/pleasing ones. This is consistent with the results of former experiments. However we used a different operationalization of looking time, based on binocular rivalry. Each of six stimulus pairs was presented in a stereoscope. One member of each pair was interesting but displeasing in comparison to the other member. Stimulus complexity was under control. Due to binocular rivalry Ss perceived only one pattern a time. 20 Ss were asked to indicate which pattern they actually saw by pushing two buttons. For each stimulus pair was registered how long each button was pushed during each of six successive minutes. Unlike other operationalizations this one is less dependent on S's determination of what stimulus will be looked at or for how long. It has the advantage that it is bound up more exclusively with relations of similarity and dissimilarity between stimulus elements. It allows manipulation of exposure time in a systematic and continuous way. There is no significant interaction between looking and exposure time.

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The use of heterologous radioimmunoassays for the measurement of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone concentrations in horse and donkey serum

Journal of Endocrinology ◽

10.1677/joe.0.0990199 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 99 (2) ◽

pp. 199-209 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Valerie Urwin

Keyword(s):

Luteinizing Hormone ◽

Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽

Cross Reactivity ◽

Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽

Cross Reaction ◽

The Other ◽

Corpora Lutea ◽

Serum Concentrations ◽

Study Support ◽

Baseline Levels

Heterologous double-antibody radioimmunoassays were developed for the measurement of FSH and LH concentrations in the serum of both horses and donkeys. The FSH assay employed a rabbit anti-ovine FSH serum which showed a complete lack of cross-reaction with equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) and negligible cross-reaction with equine LH. The LH assay utilized an antiserum raised against highly purified eCG. This similarly showed negligible cross-reaction with equine FSH but its high cross-reactivity with eCG prevented the measurement of equine LH concentrations in serum when eCG was also present. In both assays serial dilutions of horse and donkey serum were parallel to the standard. The assays were used to monitor changes in serum concentrations of FSH and LH during the first 100 days of pregnancy in pony mares and jenny donkeys. In both species during pregnancy LH levels reached a peak 1–2 days after ovulation. They then decreased rapidly to baseline levels where they remained until days 35–40 when the commencement of eCG production prevented their further measurement. Serum FSH concentrations, on the other hand, continued to fluctuate markedly throughout the first 100 days of pregnancy in both the ponies and donkeys. Pronounced surges in FSH levels occurred at regular intervals in some animals but the pattern of release was quite irregular in the others. The results of this study support the concept that it is continued pituitary FSH release, not eCG secretion, which is responsible for stimulating the secondary follicles which develop during early equine pregnancy. However, it appears likely that it is the LH-like activity of eCG which causes the subsequent ovulation and/or luteinization of these secondary follicles to produce accessory corpora lutea.

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Allocation of Responsibility for Product Safety

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/154193129503900802 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 39 (8) ◽

pp. 435-439 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Kenneth R. Laughery ◽

David R. Lovvoll ◽

Michael S. Wogalter

Keyword(s):

Significant Interaction ◽

User Study ◽

Consumer Products ◽

Product Safety ◽

The Other ◽

Product Use ◽

Other Hand ◽

High Hazard ◽

The Mean

Three studies were carried out to explore how people allocate responsibility for safety during product use. In Study 1 29 consumer products were named and subjects apportioned safety responsibility to the manufacturer, the retailer, the user, and a potentially relevant organization not in the stream of commerce (e.g., FDA, CPSC, Underwriters Laboratories). The mean percent responsibility allocated to these four alternatives was 43%, 9%, 27% and 21% respectively. A significant interaction indicated that the allocation varied across products. In Study 2 safety responsibility for the same products was allocated to the manufacturer, retailer and user, but the “outside” organization was omitted. The mean percent allocated was 51%, 20% and 30% respectively. In this study, additional questions assessed various perceptions of the products and the subject's familiarity with the products. The results indicated that responsibility allocation was a function of perception of product hazardousness; the more hazardous a product is perceived to be, the more responsibility is allocated to the user. Study 3 investigated some of the attributes of high hazard products which are associated with various allocations of product safety. For high hazard products with open and obvious risks (chain saws, cutting torches), more responsibility was allocated to consumers as opposed to manufacturers. On the other hand, for those high hazard products with “hidden” risks (pesticides, antifreeze), manufacturers were typically allocated a much higher degree of responsibility.

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