 Reference Base  Non-invasive monitoring of reproductive function in four ... |
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Swinkels, J.M., 2011. Non-invasive monitoring of reproductive function in four free-ranging female white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum) by analyzing faecal progestagen metabolite levels. Master Thesis for the University of Utrecht and the Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals (IBREAM), pp. 1-23
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| Location: |
Africa - Southern Africa - South Africa |
| Subject: |
Reproduction |
| Species: |
White Rhino |
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The reproductive rate of captive white rhinoceroses is suboptimal and to address this issue it is essential to gain insight in the reproductive physiology of the rhinoceros. Therefore in this study the objective was to non-invasively try to determine the cycle length of free-ranging female rhinoceroses. Four female free-ranging rhinoceroses in South Africa were monitored by analyzing faecal progestagen metabolites. This study was performed during a period of three months and is part of a long-term study by IBREAM (Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals; www.ibream.org). In order to obtain a correct hormone profile, faecal samples needed to be collected at a frequency of 2-3 times a week. In earlier stages of this long-term study six rhinoceroses were monitored. However the sample frequency was insufficient, subsequently the number of animals was narrowed down to four. This study shows that minimizing the study animals to four individuals leads to an adequate outcome to perform this research, in which the sample frequency is sufficient. The faecal progestagen metabolites were measured with an Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA), providing a progestagen profile of the four rhinoceroses (i.e. Grikie, Munyani, Mokibelo and Radimpe). With the method used in this study the cycle length of one rhinoceros (Grikie, approximately seven weeks) could be determined, thereby implying that the other three are not cycling. In the case of Munyani mating behaviour was observed, raising the impression that she in fact was cycling at that time. Anoestrous ís actually plausible for the remaining two rhinoceroses Mokibelo and Radimpe in view of their reproductive background history. Regarding these two rhinoceroses the results of this study correspond with our expectations contrary to Munyani. Obviously more than one cycle is required in order to determine a norm for the cycle length of the white rhinoceros. Thus prolongation of the research is essential.
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