Naslov
Non-invasive monitoring of adrenocortical activity in free-ranging fallow deer (Dama dama L.)

Autori
Konjević, Dean ; Janicki, Zdravko ; Slavica, Alen ; Severin, Krešimir ; Krapinec, Krešimir ; Božić, Frane ; Palme, Rupert

Izvornik
European journal of wildlife research (1612-4642) 57 (2011), 1; 77-81

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
fallow deer; non-invasive; stress; enzyme immunoassay; cortisol; season

Sažetak
Measurement of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites is increasingly used as a non-invasive tool to examine disturbances in various domestic and wild animals. Because measurements of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites has previously never been reported in fallow deer we determined 11, 17-dioxoandrostanes (11, 17-DOA), a group of cortisol metabolites, in the faeces of four fallow deer yearlings after an ACTH challenge or control saline injection by an 11-oxoaetiocholanolone enzyme immunoassay (EIA), to validate a method. A 2.9 to 4.3 fold increase in measured cortisol metabolites in challenged animals after approximately 22 hours demonstrated the suitability of this group specific EIA to monitor adrenocortical activity in respective deer species. To determine faecal cortisol metabolites in fallow deer from a Mediterranean habitat we collected samples during a one year study at Veliki Brijuni Island. The study confirmed seasonal pattern of cortisol release in fallow deer. Higher 11, 17-DOA concentrations (median ; min-max) were determined for November (99 ; 50-2035 ng/g faeces), March (112 ; 25-315) and May (92 ; 40-196). Significantly lower concentrations were measured during July (30 ; 10-195 ng/g faeces). This study indicates that the analysis of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites is a valuable non-invasive technique for monitoring adrenocortical activity in fallow deer. This, together with information about the seasonal pattern of glucocorticoid excretion, could help to improve fallow deer management and welfare, especially in the case of farmed and park animals.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Veterinarska medicina

POVEZANOST RADA