Investigation of individual and group variability in estrous cycle characteristics in female Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at the Oregon Zoo

Theriogenology
S S GlaeserJ L Brown

Abstract

Evaluating ovarian cycle activity through longitudinal progestagen monitoring is important for optimizing breeding management of captive elephants and understanding impact of life events (births, deaths, and transfers) on reproductive function. This study summarized serum progestagen profiles for eight Asian mainland elephants (Elephas maximus indicus) and one Bornean elephant (E. maximus borneensis) at the Oregon Zoo over a 20-yr interval, and represents the longest longitudinal dataset evaluated to date. Estrous cycle characteristics were more varied than previously reported for this species, with an overall duration of 12 to 19 wk, luteal phase duration of 4 to 15 wk, and follicular phase duration of 2 to 12 wk. In general, there was more cycle variability across than within individual elephants. Compared with other elephants in the group, the Borneo female exhibited consistently longer cycle lengths, higher progestagen concentrations, and greater cycle variability; however, it is not known if this represents a subspecies or an individual difference. Cycle durations did not appear to change over time or with age, and the first pubertal cycle was similar to subsequent cycles. Variability in duration of the follicular phase wa...Continue Reading

References

Dec 1, 1971·Journal of Reproduction and Fertility·M R JainudeenN Tilakeratne
May 1, 1983·Biology of Reproduction·D L HessM J Schmidt
Apr 15, 2004·General and Comparative Endocrinology·Janine L BrownTanya Moeller
Aug 12, 2008·Animal Reproduction Science·Nicole M WeissenböckThomas Ruf
Aug 28, 2010·Reproduction : the Official Journal of the Society for the Study of Fertility·Imke LuedersThomas B Hildebrandt

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Citations

Apr 5, 2014·General and Comparative Endocrinology·Vinod KumarGovindhaswamy Umapathy
Nov 8, 2013·Ecology and Evolution·Hannah S MumbyVirpi Lummaa
Jan 28, 2021·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Daniella E ChusydJanine L Brown

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