Abstract
Non-invasive monitoring of hormones using feces has become a vital tool for reproductive management and reliable pregnancy diagnosis in big cats. Previous studies described the PGF2α metabolite (PGFM) as an indicator of pregnancy in various feline species. The present study aimed to standardize pregnancy detection in big cats like the tiger (Panthera tigris), jaguar (Panthera onca) and lion (Panthera leo) using fecal samples. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) were performed to identify PGFM in feces. An EIA developed against 9α,11α-dihydroxy-15-oxo-prost-5-en-1-oic acid-BSA was used to assay PGFM in fecal samples of the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion and jaguar. The PGFM levels increased after 9 weeks of pregnancy and remained elevated until parturition. All animals showed elevated levels of PGFM in the last trimester of pregnancy, thus making PGFM a reliable tool for pregnancy diagnosis during this period that can be useful in captive breeding programs in these species.
Highlights
About 36 feline species are found around the world and many of them are listed in the IUCN Red List as vulnerable or endangered due to poaching for trade, to habitat loss and fragmentation of natural habitats
The objectives of our study were (1) to assess the reliability of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) metabolite (PGFM) as a marker for pregnancy detection in big cats based on additional samples from pregnant female Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers and jaguars with average gestation periods lasting 107, 102 and 98 days respectively [13], (2) to identify the predominant fecal metabolites derived from prostaglandins, and (3) to compare patterns of immunoreactive PGFM metabolites among three species of the panthera lineage
LC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of PGFM in fraction 29 based on its specific transitions, whereas PGF2α could not be identified either in fraction or in fraction
Summary
About 36 feline species are found around the world and many of them are listed in the IUCN Red List as vulnerable or endangered due to poaching for trade, to habitat loss and fragmentation of natural habitats. Most of the big cats such as lions, tigers, cheetahs and snow leopards are facing a severe threat of extinction for the above reasons. Efforts are being made through both in situ and ex situ conservation to protect these species from extinction. Many felids reproduce poorly due to inappropriate captive management practices [1, 2]. It is necessary to understand their endocrine status associated with ovarian activity, conception and pregnancy in order to identify optimal captive breeding conditions to facilitate conservation efforts [3]. Circulating steroid hormones reflect the reproductive status of animals [4], but the reliability of endocrine information may be compromised due to chemical immobilization or PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0143958. Circulating steroid hormones reflect the reproductive status of animals [4], but the reliability of endocrine information may be compromised due to chemical immobilization or PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0143958 December 3, 2015
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