Female Cheetahs Research Articles

Systemic amyloidosis in a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

A captive, 9 year old female cheetah (Acinonyxjubatus) with progressive signs of chronic renal failure was euthanized Histologic studies of the kidney revealed severe glomerular and medullary amyloidosis. The amyloid stained positivelv with Congo red and showed green birefringence under polarized light. Based on potassium permanganate sensitivity and the immunohistochemical reaction with monoclonal antibodies, the renal amyloid was classlfied as AA. Amyloid was also deposited in the liver and heart. Elec-trophoresis of heart and kidney tissue showed two protein bands reflecting serum amyloid A. This is the first detailed report of amyloidosis leading to renal failure in a highly endangered species.

Reproductive activity in captive female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) assessed by faecal steroids

Faecal oestradiol and progestogen metabolite excretion was monitored in adult, female cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) (n = 26) for 1-24 months. Increased faecal oestradiol excretion was associated with mating or equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) administration for artificial insemination, whereas increased progestogen metabolites were observed during natural and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)-induced pregnant and nonpregnant luteal phases. On the basis of oestradiol excretory patterns, duration of the oestrous cycle (mean +/- SEM) was 13.6 +/- 1.2 days with high oestradiol concentrations lasting for 4.1 +/- 0.8 days. In non-gonadotrophin-treated cheetahs, 75% showed evidence of oestrous cyclicity; however, none evaluated for 1 year or longer were continuously cyclic. Rather, cyclicity was interrupted by periods of anoestrus, often exceeding several months in duration. These inactive ovarian periods were unrelated to season and were not synchronous among females. Mean duration of gestation (breeding to parturition) was 94.2 +/- 0.5 days, whereas duration of faecal progestogen metabolite excretion during the nonpregnant luteal phase was 51.2 +/- 3.5 days. On the basis of progestogen metabolite evaluations, spontaneous ovulation (non-mating induced) occurred only once in two females (2 of 184 oestrous cycles; 1.1%). Peak eCG-stimulated, preovulatory oestradiol concentrations were similar to those associated with natural oestrus, whereas progestogen metabolite profiles after hCG resembled those during pregnant and nonpregnant luteal phases after natural mating. In summary, results confirm that the cheetah is polyoestrus and ovulation is almost always induced. However, new evidence suggests that many females inexplicably experience periods of anoestrus unrelated to season, while 25% of the cheetahs examined expressed no ovarian activity during the study period.

Changes in Plasma Concentrations of Progesterone and Estradiol-17.BETA. in Non-Pregnant and Pregnant Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus).

Changes in plasma progesterone and estradiol-17β concentrations in 3 non-pregnant and 2 pregnant cheetahs were determined by radioimmunoassays. Progesterone concentrations in the non-pregnant cheetahs varied between 0.78 and 6.20 ng/ml and exhibited elevations at intervals of 10 to 12 weeks. There was one cheetah (2-year-old) in which plasma estradiol-17β concentrations elevated 1 to 2 weeks prior to the peak plasma progesterone concentrations. In the pregnant cheetahs, plasma progesterone concentrations increased at Day 3, rose to a peak (13 ng/ml) at Day 27, and decreased gradually until the time of birth. Plasma estradiol-17β concentrations in the pregnant cheetah attained a peak value (430 pg/ml) at Day 4 (before copulation), decreased gradually until Day 60 and increased again at Day 66 (409 pg/ml). In an aborted cheetah, the estradiol-17β level showed only a slight increase. These data provide the first assessment of reproductive functions in the female cheetah as monitored by plasma steroid profiles.

Non‐invasive monitoring of ovarian function in several felid species by measurement of fecal estradiol‐17β and progestins

AbstractAn extraction and assay procedure to measure fecal estradiol‐17β and progestin concentrations in several cat species was developed and validated for use for noninvasive monitoring of ovarian function. Fecal samples were collected over a range of 3–20 months from female tigers (three), lions (three), snow leopards (three), cheetahs (two), caracals (two), and domestic cats (five). Samples were extracted with 90% methanol, lipids removed with petroleum ether, and the estradiol and progestins in the methanol measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) fractionation and subsequent RIA of the fractions indicated that the estradiol‐17β antiserum cross‐reacted primarily with estradiol‐17β in the feces of lions and tigers and was assumed to be specific for estradiol‐17β in the feces of other species as well. However, there were several immunoreactive compounds, presumably progesterone metabolites, excreted in the feces which varied both quantitatively and qualitatively among species. The behavior of tigers, lions, cheetahs, and caracals was visually monitored during the collection period and frequency of sexual behaviors was positively correlated with increases in fecal estradiol in all species observed. The mean fecal estradiol‐17β peaks were as follows: tigers, 128.0 ± 13.1; lions, 186.0 ± 14.8; snow leopards, 136.7 ± 15.9; cheetahs, 140.9 ± 9.0; caracals, 24.5 ± 4.0; and domestic cats 158.9 ± 19.3 ng/gm. Fecal progestin concentrations rose significantly (P < 0.001) only after breeding or during pregnancy and were as follows: tigers, 5.6 ± 0.6; lions, 1.9 ± 0.1; cheetahs, 8.4 ± 1.1; and caracals, 2.4 ± 0.4 μg/gm. Fecal progestins were elevated for one‐half to two‐thirds of the gestation length during presumed pseudopregnancy but remained elevated throughout successful pregnancies. These results suggest that ovarian function can be monitored noninvasively in the family Felidae by the measurement of fecal estradiol‐17β and progestin concentrations. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Fecal steroid hormone analysis as an indicator of reproductive function in the cheetah

AbstractTechniques were developed and validated to measure fecal estrogen and progesterone concentrations of the female cheetah. Fecal samples were collected from seven mature females. Cheetahs were monitored before mating and continued until parturition. Four females had normal pregnancies, one conceived but the pregnancy resulted in spontaneous abortion, one was mated but apparently did not conceive and one was treated with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to induce follicular growth and ovulation. Vaginal superficial cells increased with increasing estrogen concentrations. Peak estrogen occurred one day postcopulation. Increases in fecal progesterone concentrations, indicative of ovulation, occurred after copulation and hormonally induced ovulation. For the first time reproductive function can be monitored in the cheetah using noninvasive sample collection. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Diseases of captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus): Results of the cheetah research council pathology survey, 1989–1992

AbstractKnowledge of the diseases of cheetahs is essential to prevent and treat conditions that can modulate fertility and longevity. Toward this aim, a comprehensive pathology survey was conducted under a directive from the Cheetah Species Survival Plan. To date, 31 adult cheetahs and nine cubs from 16 zoological parks have been evaluated. Also, liver biopsies from 67 female cheetahs from 22 zoological parks were examined. Veno‐occlusive disease (VOD) affected 82% of deceased cheetahs and 51% of live female cheetahs, and was the cause of death in nine cheetahs. Glomerulosclerosis and nephrosclerosis affected 84% and 39% of the population, respectively, and caused renal failure in eight cheetahs. The severity of VOD and glomerulosclerosis increased with age, and was not associated with infertility. Chronic gastritis was noted in 91% of the study population, and 95% of these cases also had spiral bacteria. Feline infectious peritonitis caused the death of two cheetahs. Male cheetahs had testicular degeneration, atrophy, and/or spermatogenic arrest, but these cheetahs also had severe systemic illness. Most females did not have reproductive tract lesions that would cause infertility, including those with parovarian cysts. Ovarian histology suggested that infertile cheetahs were not ovulating. Most cubs died from pneumonia or other systemic infections. The results of this study indicate that serious diseases are prevalent in the North American cheetahs, but these diseases do not appear to be the cause of infertility in the population. However, these diseases do limit the life span and well‐being of cheetahs in captivity. Further research is needed to elucidate the causes of these diseases. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Behavioral solutions to breeding cheetahs in captivity: Insights from the wild

AbstractKnowledge of cheetahs' behavior is increasingly seen as the key to solving the mystery of cheetahs' poor breeding performance in captivity. In the absence of zoos' maintaining systematic records of individuals' behavior during introductions, behavior of free‐living animals can be informative. In the wild, most female cheetahs probably mate with males living in small groups or coalitions; thus, zoos may benefit from replicating these social conditions, provided injuries can be minimized. Relations between free‐living coalition members are amicable, and escalated aggression was never witnessed during 4 years of observation. Some antagonism was seen in newly formed trios, although this had disappeared in longer established coalitions. Minor aggression occurred over carcasses, being greater at small and intermediate sized kills than at large ones. In the presence of females, mild intramale aggression was only seen within 1 of 7 coalitions. Free‐living females showed similar rates of behavior in the presence of different numbers of males, aside from more frequent growling at large groups. These findings suggest that captive institutions should be less nervous about housing male cheetahs together and introducing females to groups of males for purposes of breeding. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Zona pellucida-piercing enhances zona penetration by spermatozoa of normospermic and teratospermic domestic cats

1.1. Basic haematological values in 34 animals of eight carnivorous species are reported.2.2. In four Northern lynxs (Lynx lynx lynx), two male and two female animals, the mean values are given: erythrocyte counts 8.51 × 1012/l, haematocrit 0.392/l, haemoglobin content 148.0 g/l and leukocyte count 7.92 × 109/l.3.3. In six male pumas (Puma concolor missolensis) the mean values estimated are: erythrocyte count 9.35 × 1012/l, haematocrit 0.43/l, haemoglobin content 163.9 g/l and leukocyte count 7.73 × 109/l. Individual values in one female puma are also given.4.4. In six jaguars (Panthera onca), three male and three female animals, the mean values are given: erythrocyte count 8.27 × 1012/l, haematocrit 0.37/l, haemoglobin content 137.1 g/l and leukocyte count 15.15 × 109/l.5.5. Only individual values are reported in one clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), in one leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor), in one Corbett's tiger (Panthera tigris Corbetti) and in one Altaic tiger (Panthera tigris Altaica).6.6. In four lions (Panthera leo leo), two male and two female animals, the mean estimated values are: erythrocyte count 10.14 × 1012/l, haematocrit 0.462/l, haemoglobin content 159.0 g/l and leukocyte count 11.05 × 109/l.7.7. In six female cheetahs (Acinonox jubatus jubatus) the mean values estimated are: erythrocyte count 7.86 × 1012/l, haematocrit 0.373/l, haemoglobin content 142.8 g/l and leukocyte count 8.65 × 109/l. For three male cheetahs only individual values are reported.8.8. All results achieved are compared with those abstracted from the literature and discussed.

Reproductive status of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in North American Zoos: The benefits of physiological surveys for strategic planning

AbstractUnder the mandate of a Species Survival Plan (SSP), reproductive status was assessed in 128 cheetahs maintained in 18 different institutions in North America. A mobile laboratory research team evaluated cheetahs using anesthesia, serial blood sampling, electroejaculation (males), and laparoscopy (females). Biomaterials were also collected for parallel studies of genetics, nutrition, and health. There was no mortality, and cheetahs were capable of reproducing naturally after these intense manipulatory examinations. No marked differences were observed in reproductive or endocrine characteristics between proven and unproven breeders. However, males consistently produced teratospermic ejaculates, and cheetah sperm were compromised in conspecific or heterologous in vitro fertilization systems. Structurally abnormal sperm were found to be filtered by the oocyte's zona pellucida. More than 80% of the females were anatomically sound, but morphological and endocrine evidence suggested that ∼50% or more of the population may have had inactive ovaries at the time of the examination. Males ranging in age from 15 to 182 months produced spermic ejaculates, but motile sperm numbers/ejaculate and circulating testosterone concentrations were highest in males 60 to 120 months old. Parovarian cysts were observed in 51.5% of female cheetahs, but comparisons between proven and unproven subpopulations revealed that this abnormality likely had no influence on fertility. Fresh luteal tissue was not observed in any nonpregnant or nonlactating female, strongly suggesting that the cheetah is an induced ovulator. Overall survey results were discussed in the context of the etiology of reproductive inefficiency, especially with respect to the potential importance of biological versus management factors. Four high priority research areas in cheetah reproductive biology were identified: 1) continuous monitoring of ejaculate quality in the extant population, while studying the impact of pleiomorphisms on fertility; 2) determining the potential relationship between libido and androgen production (excretion) in males; 3) confirming the extent of cyclic, or acyclic, ovarian activity in females; and 4) continued development of assisted reproductive techniques for enhancing man‐agement. In summary, a multidisciplinary, multi‐institutional survey coordinated through the SSP is both possible and useful for generating a physiological and health database beneficial to driving further research and management initiatives. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Effect of visitors on the behaviour of female Cheetahs Acinonyx jubutus and cubs

International Zoo YearbookVolume 32, Issue 1 p. 238-244 Effect of visitors on the behaviour of female Cheetahs Acinonyx jubutus and cubs DECLAN O'DONOVAN, Corresponding Author DECLAN O'DONOVAN School of‘ Biological and Health Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1M 8JSFota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill, County Cork, Ireland.Search for more papers by this authorJOANNE E. HINDLE, JOANNE E. HINDLE Institute of Zoology, The Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NWI 4RY, Great Britain Serono Laboratories (UK) Ltd, 99 Bridge Road East. Welwyn Garden City. Herts AL7 IBG. Great Britain.Search for more papers by this authorSEAN McKEOWN, SEAN McKEOWN Fota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill, Cork, IrelandSearch for more papers by this authorSEAN O'DONOVAN, SEAN O'DONOVAN Agriculture Department, University College Cork. Cork, IrelandSearch for more papers by this author DECLAN O'DONOVAN, Corresponding Author DECLAN O'DONOVAN School of‘ Biological and Health Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1M 8JSFota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill, County Cork, Ireland.Search for more papers by this authorJOANNE E. HINDLE, JOANNE E. HINDLE Institute of Zoology, The Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NWI 4RY, Great Britain Serono Laboratories (UK) Ltd, 99 Bridge Road East. Welwyn Garden City. Herts AL7 IBG. Great Britain.Search for more papers by this authorSEAN McKEOWN, SEAN McKEOWN Fota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill, Cork, IrelandSearch for more papers by this authorSEAN O'DONOVAN, SEAN O'DONOVAN Agriculture Department, University College Cork. Cork, IrelandSearch for more papers by this author First published: January 1993 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-1090.1993.tb03542.xCitations: 17 AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume32, Issue1January 1993Pages 238-244 RelatedInformation

Correlation of sperm viability with gamete interaction and fertilization in vitro in the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).

Sperm-oocyte interaction in vitro was studied in the cheetah, a species known to produce poor quality ejaculates and to experience low rates of fertility. Twelve female cheetahs were injected (i.m.) with eCG followed by hCG 84 h later. Twenty-four to 26 h post hCG, each was subjected to laparoscopic oocyte aspiration. A sperm motility index (SMI) was calculated for each of 9 cheetah sperm donors that produced ejaculates averaging 41.3 +/- 22.9 x 10(6) motile sperm and 28.4 +/- 4.9% structurally normal sperm. Each ejaculate was used to inseminate cheetah oocytes from 1 or 2 females and salt-stored, domestic cat oocytes. The presence of ovarian follicles (greater than or equal to 1.5 mm in diameter) showed that all females responded to exogenous gonadotropins (range, 11-35 follicles/female). A total of 277 cheetah oocytes was collected from 292 follicles (94.9% recovery; 23.1 +/- 2.2 oocytes/female). Of these, 250 (90.3%) qualified as mature and 27 (9.7%) as degenerate. Of the 214 mature oocytes inseminated, 56 (26.2%) were fertilized, and 37 (17.3%) cleaved to the 2-cell stage in vitro; but the incidence of in vitro fertilization (IVF) varied from 0 to 73.3% (p less than 0.001) among individual males. When oocytes from individual cheetahs (n = 5) were separated into two groups and inseminated with sperm from a male with an SMI greater than 0 after 6 h coincubation versus an SMI = 0 at this time, the mean fertilization rates were 28/44 (63.6%) and 0/37 (0%), respectively (p less than 0.05). Of the 117 domestic cat oocytes coincubated with cheetah sperm, 96.6% contained 1 or more cheetah sperm in the outer half of the zona pellucida (ZP). Although the mean number of cheetah sperm penetrating the outer ZP of the cat oocyte was similar (p greater than 0.05) among all males, there was a positive correlation between the number of sperm reaching the inner half of the ZP and fertilization rate in vitro (r = 0.82; p less than 0.05). Compared to IVF efficiency in the domestic cat and tiger as reported in earlier studies, IVF efficiency in the cheetah is low. Because oocytes from 11 of 12 cheetahs were fertilized in vitro, there is no evidence that the female gamete is incompetent. Although sperm pleiomorphisms may contribute to poor reproductive performance, examination of the data on the basis of individual sperm donors reveals that effective gamete interaction in the cheetah is dictated, in part, by sperm motility.

Effect of visitors on the behaviour of female Cheetahs Acinonyx jubutus and cubs

Effect of visitors on the behaviour of female Cheetahs Acinonyx jubutus and cubs

Migration patterns of Thomson's gazelles and cheetahs on the Serengeti Plains

SummaryMonthly changes in abundance of Thomson's gazelles at 142 locations on the Serengeti Plains are presented over a 3½ year period. Numbers of gazelles on the eastern plains were strongly correlated with rainfall, whereas numbers in the central and western plains appeared to be related to other variables. Movements of female cheetahs and non‐resident male cheetahs corresponded closely to the movements of Thomson's gazelles but those of resident male cheetahs remained relatively independent of the gazelle migration.

Ecological characteristics of territories of male cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

Ecological characteristics of nine male cheetahs territories in the Serengeti National Park are described. Territories were centred on areas that provided cover but did not have particularly high rainfall or prey abundance. Resident male cheetahs did not occupy their territories continuously. Some territories were vacated in the dry season, others in the wet season, but in both cases this occurred when numbers of Thomson's gazelles (females' main prey) and female cheetahs seen there were low. Although changes in territory ownership appeared to be related to demographic rather than ecological factors, territories that remained vacant seemed to contain rather little prey. Over two years, evidence suggested that territories occupied by males of larger group size contained greater numbers of Thomson's gazelles.

Basic haematological values in carnivores—II. The felidae

1. 1. Basic haematological values in 34 animals of eight carnivorous species are reported. 2. 2. In four Northern lynxs ( Lynx lynx lynx), two male and two female animals, the mean values are given: erythrocyte counts 8.51 × 10 12/l, haematocrit 0.392/l, haemoglobin content 148.0 g/l and leukocyte count 7.92 × 10 9/l. 3. 3. In six male pumas ( Puma concolor missolensis) the mean values estimated are: erythrocyte count 9.35 × 10 12/l, haematocrit 0.43/l, haemoglobin content 163.9 g/l and leukocyte count 7.73 × 10 9/l. Individual values in one female puma are also given. 4. 4. In six jaguars ( Panthera onca), three male and three female animals, the mean values are given: erythrocyte count 8.27 × 10 12/l, haematocrit 0.37/l, haemoglobin content 137.1 g/l and leukocyte count 15.15 × 10 9/l. 5. 5. Only individual values are reported in one clouded leopard ( Neofelis nebulosa), in one leopard ( Panthera pardus saxicolor), in one Corbett's tiger ( Panthera tigris Corbetti) and in one Altaic tiger ( Panthera tigris Altaica). 6. 6. In four lions ( Panthera leo leo), two male and two female animals, the mean estimated values are: erythrocyte count 10.14 × 10 12/l, haematocrit 0.462/l, haemoglobin content 159.0 g/l and leukocyte count 11.05 × 10 9/l. 7. 7. In six female cheetahs ( Acinonox jubatus jubatus) the mean values estimated are: erythrocyte count 7.86 × 10 12/l, haematocrit 0.373/l, haemoglobin content 142.8 g/l and leukocyte count 8.65 × 10 9/l. For three male cheetahs only individual values are reported. 8. 8. All results achieved are compared with those abstracted from the literature and discussed.

The reversal of essential fatty acid deficiency symptoms in the cheetah

Two members of the Order Carnivore (the lion and the domestic cat) are known to be Δ-6-desaturase deficient. Two anoestrous 8-year-old female cheetahs exhibiting symptoms consistent with essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency were treated with encapsulated natural oils as supplement to their normal meat diet. The condition of both animals improved markedly, they came into full oestrus, mated, became pregnant, and have since produced healthy litters of cubs. This may be the first indication of a possible requirement for Δ-6-desaturase reaction products in this species.

Pituitary and gonadal response to LH releasing hormone administration in the female and male cheetah.

Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH, 50 micrograms) or saline was administered (i.m.) to adult female and male cheetahs under anaesthesia to evaluate pituitary and gonadal response. Serum LH levels did not fluctuate over a 120-min sampling period in saline-treated animals. Serum LH concentrations were raised (P less than 0.05) in both female and male cheetahs after LHRH injection, the temporal response being similar to previously reported results in unanaesthetized, domestic carnivores. The magnitude of the LHRH-induced LH response was sex-dependent. Over a 120-min post-injection period both saline control and LHRH-induced LH levels were about twofold greater in males than females. Although LHRH had no acute influence on ovarian oestradiol-17 beta production in the female, serum testosterone levels were raised (P less than 0.05) in male cheetahs by 60 min after treatment. This study (1) provides introductory endocrine information on the cheetah, an endangered species, and (2) indicates that exogenous LHRH is effective in acutely altering pituitary (female) and pituitary/gonadal (male) function in an anaesthetized, non-domestic felid.

HUNTING BEHAVIOUR OF THE CHEETAH IN THE SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA

SummaryEighty‐nine per cent, of 136 cheetah kills in the Serengeti National Park consisted of Thomson's gazelles, the most abundant and readily available species in the size category (60 kg or less) preferred by the cheetah. Fifty‐four per cent, of the Thomson's gazelle kills were subadult; among the adults all age classes were represented. One female cheetah captured 24 Thomson's gazelles in 26 days, a killing rate of 10 kg/day. The actual food intake of this female was about 4 kg/day. The hunting success of cheetah pursuing large subadult and adult Thomson's gazelles was about 50 per cent.The hunting methods–including the various means of approaching prey–are described as are the typical ways of killing and feeding. Twelve per cent, of the cheetah kills were appropriated by lions and hyaenas.