Assessment of the reproductive physiology of the potto (Perodicticus potto) through fecal hormone metabolite analyses and trans-abdominal ultrasonography.

Potto (Perodicticus potto) reproductive biology has been minimally studied. Noninvasive endocrinology and ultrasonography are proven tools for reproductive assessment in other primates. In this study, we used fecal hormone metabolite analysis to monitor one adult male potto and four females at different life stages. Validated testosterone (T), estrone conjugate (EC), and progesterone (P4) enzyme immunoassays (EIA) were used to assess male testicular function and female ovarian and placental activity. The male excreted mean T concentrations of 4.72 (±1.66) µg/g feces, that did not differ (P > 0.05) over time or when paired with alternate females. Baseline concentrations of EC (range: 47.93-78.81 ng/g feces) and P4 (range: 2.29-12.46 µg/g feces) differed among adult females. Follicular phases averaged 9.1 days (±3.43, n = 30 phases), whereas luteal phases averaged 19.89 days (±9.49, n = 19 phases). Gestation length (n = 2 pregnancies) was 170 days. Gestational EC and P4 concentrations were positively correlated (pregnancy A, r (132) = 0.71; pregnancy B, r (145) = 0.76) and returned to non-pregnant luteal phase levels 3-7 days post parturition. Extreme differences between pregnant and non-pregnant EC and P4 concentrations may allow for one-sample pregnancy diagnosis. Trans-abdominal ultrasonography was validated for pregnancy diagnosis with the fetus observed between 100 and 110 days post breeding. To our knowledge, this is the first use of fecal endocrinology and ultrasonography to monitor reproductive function and pregnancy in this species, and the only study in any lorisid to measure progestagens in correlation with reproductive events.

Ovulation induction and artificial insemination of a captive polar bear (Ursus maritimus) using fresh semen.

In 2008, polar bears were listed as a species threatened with extinction by the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Unfortunately, reproductive success has been poor despite breeding recommendations for almost every reproductively viable bear by the Species Survival Plan. Assisted reproductive technologies could complement breeding efforts by overcoming the challenges of behavioral incompatibilities and deficiencies, facilitating genetic management and increasing cub production. The goal of this study was to artificially inseminate a female polar bear after inducing ovarian activity and ovulation with exogenous hormones (equine chorionic gonadotropin and porcine luteinizing hormone). Fresh semen collected from an adult male via electroejaculation/urethral catheterization was used for the insemination. Fecal steroid monitoring indicated that the female ovulated following the exogenous hormone treatment. Progestin concentrations increased in late summer, at the time implantation was expected to occur; however, no cubs were produced. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of ovulation induction and artificial insemination in a polar bear.

Infant-mother recognition in a social rodent (Octodon degus).

Octodon degus (degu), a biparental species with precocious offspring is a potential model for the study of social attachment and related affective disorders such as depression. This study investigates the nature of the social bond between young degus and their mothers with a special emphasis on infant-mother recognition. We tested young degus in a potentiation paradigm to determine if social contact, particularly with the mother, can modulate an infant's vocal response to isolation. One week later, animals were presented with a choice between their mother and an unfamiliar female or a sample of familiar and unfamiliar nesting materials. Subsequently, the ability of whole litters to discriminate between their mother and unfamiliar females was tested. We observed that infant degus alter their isolation response after brief social contact. Degu infants readily distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar nesting materials but fail to differentiate between their mother and unfamiliar females in an identical setting. Nevertheless, entire litters show a preference for their mothers when tested similarly in a group, demonstrating a perhaps socially facilitated ability to recognize the biological mother at an early age.