Fecal hormonal dynamics in the last month of gestation in a captive black one-horn rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis): A case report
Gestational hormone profile in captive rhinoceros
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21921/jas.v11i04.15220Keywords:
Rhinoceros, Gestation, Estrogen, Progesterone, Fecal metabolitesAbstract
One-horned black rhinoceros, also known as the Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the levels of fecal progesterone and estrogen in the Indian great one-horned rhino during the last month of 472 days gestation and to observe the associated physical and behavioral changes. Notably, 48 hours before calving, estrogen levels increased by 234.56 ng/g, while progesterone levels decreased by 1034 ng/g. These hormonal changes provide critical insights into the physiological processes leading up to parturition, offering valuable information for the management of breeding programs for this critically endangered species in the wild and captivity.
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