Endocrine patterns of the estrous cycle and pregnancy of wildebeest in the serengeti ecosystem

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Despite the importance of the western white-bearded wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus mearnsi) to the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, surprisingly little is known about the reproductive physiology of this keystone species. A longitudinal, non-invasive endocrine study was conducted on female wildebeest captured from the Serengeti-Mara migration and maintained for ~16 months in large fenced enclosures within the species' natural range. An intact bull was introduced to a female subgroup (n = 5), while remaining females (n = 10) were unexposed to a male. Fecal progestagen patterns reflected ovarian activity and pregnancy. In non-pregnant animals, luteal and inter-luteal baseline progestagen values differed (p < 0.001) over time, thereby allowing identification of recurrent estrous cycles. The average durations of the luteal phase, estrous cycle, gestation, and post-partum anestrus were 14.3 ± 0.5, 22.6 ± 1.0, 240.8 ± 11.7, and 104.1 ± 15.6 d, respectively. Annual reproductive patterns indicated a distinctive period of ovarian activity that extended from 13 May through 3 December (203.5 ± 29.9 d) with all unmated females displaying from one to 14 estrous cycles. Progestagens were higher (p < 0.001) in pregnant (n = 4) than non-pregnant (n = 10) cows. These data (1) reveal the value of fecal hormone monitoring for establishing the first ever endocrine profiles of female wildebeest in semi-free-living conditions in their native range, and (2) indicate that the species is a seasonal breeder that is polyestrous and a spontaneous ovulator.

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Clay, A. Moss, Estes, R. D., Thompson, Katerina, Wildt, David E., and Monfort, Steven L. 2010. "<a href="https://repository.si.edu/handle/10088/8918">Endocrine patterns of the estrous cycle and pregnancy of wildebeest in the serengeti ecosystem</a>." <em>General and comparative endocrinology</em>, 166, (2) 365–371. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.12.005">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.12.005</a>.

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