Abstract
Saliva samples collected from 12 black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis) were analyzed for 20 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone-like and total estrogen immunoreactivity. Five nonpregnant, two conception, and nine pregnancy intervals were monitored. HPLC co-chromatography of immunoreactive free steroid components in saliva indicated that one of three immunoreactive progestin components eluted with 20 alpha-hydroxypreg-4-en-3-one, whereas the single major estrogen peak eluted with estradiol. Direct radioimmunoassay measurements of ether extracts for these two reproductive hormones in saliva provided accurate and consistent profiles in which pregnancy was detected 13 months prior to parturition, and parturition was predicted by approximately 1 month. Measurement of 20 alpha-hydroxypreg-4-en-3-one was more useful in pregnancy diagnosis, and estradiol measurement was useful as an indicator of impending parturition. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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