engleski

A validation of method for non-invasive monitoring of stress responses in fallow deer (Dama dama)

Non-invasive methods for determining the stress responses through the faecal cortisol metabolite levels have been adopted for various animals, including several deer species like Roosevelt elk, white-tailed deer, roe deer and red deer. Despite the close relationship between these species, faecal glucocorticoid assay must be validated for each species prior to its application. Using adrenocorticotropic challenge and comparing the results obtained with negative control we validated the physiological relevance of 11, 17 – dioxoandrostanes (DOA) analysis in fallow deer faeces. During the experiment three fallow deer yearlings received an ACTH injection and faecal samples were collected after 6, 12, 18 and 22 hours, respecting the influence of time interval between defecation and freezing on metabolite levels. The ACTH administration resulted in gradual increase of 11, 17 – DOA concentrations over the observed period to up to 4.3-fold increase when compared to initial concentrations. These concentrations were significantly higher than those in control animal. The results obtained indicate that faecal glucocorticoid analysis could be used to evaluate stress responses in fallow deer.

fallow deer; ACTH challenge; 11; 17 – dioxoandrostanes; non-invasive stress monitoring

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