Testosterone secretion, musth behaviour and social dominance in captive male Asian elephants living near the equator

Journal of Reproduction and Fertility
G A Lincoln, W D Ratnasooriya

Abstract

Testosterone concentrations were measured in blood samples collected weekly over a 5 year period from six adult (19-40 year old) male Asian elephants (Elephas maximus maximus) living in captivity in Sri Lanka (7 degrees N), to investigate the relationship between androgen secretion and the occurrence of musth (temporal gland secretion, drip urination and aggressive behaviour). The testosterone profiles were very variable both within and between animals. Long-term phasic changes in blood concentrations of testosterone, associated with periods of musth, occurred in three of the six elephants, with the most pronounced cyclicity in the oldest animal. Musth occurred annually after periods of high androgen secretion and there was a positive correlation between the duration of musth and mean concentrations of testosterone during the previous 2 months. The time of musth, while consistent for an individual, was variable between animals. In four bulls living within one social group, there was a positive correlation between social rank and mean concentrations of testosterone over the 5 year study, and only the dominant animal showed periodic musth. Short-term changes in testosterone concentrations occurred in blood samples collected every...Continue Reading

Citations

Nov 3, 2010·The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science·Saroch KaewmaneeKazuyoshi Taya
Mar 7, 2012·Reproduction : the Official Journal of the Society for the Study of Fertility·Elizabeth A BurgessTamara Keeley
Oct 16, 2014·Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine : Official Publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians·Imke LuedersCheryl Niemuller
May 1, 2007·General and Comparative Endocrinology·Lisa YonBill Lasley
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Oct 27, 2016·Psychological Reports·Connie DuerCharles I Abramson
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Jan 5, 2012·Journal of Biological Rhythms·David G Hazlerigg, Gerald A Lincoln
Nov 5, 1999·Physiology & Behavior·L E Rasmussen, T E Perrin

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