Détermination de la période d'accouplement des orignales par la mise en évidence de spermatozoïdes dans le tractus génital

Abstract

The presence of sperms in smears from the vaginal and uterine mucosae was examined to time the mating period in a population of moose (Alces alces) from Eastern Quebec. The highest frequency of smears with sperms occurred between October 5 and October 15 for the 1974–1982 period under study. First matings were observed during the last week of September, but a high proportion of positive smears still prevailed at the end of the hunting season (October 18). Hunting statistical figures show two peaks of vulnerability, one around September 25, the other around October 13. Data from the smears show that mating does not occur during the first peak of vulnerability, which corresponds rather to partner searching in animals that will mate only a few days later. Young females (1.5–2.5 years old) seem to mate about 1 week later than older females. The smear technique has proven easy to use, it is not cumbersome, and it allows direct recognition of the mating period when sampling overlaps the rut season.[Journal translation]