Zoo Biology最新文献_第3页

Sperm Quality Metrics Exhibit Annual Fluctuations in a Critically Endangered Amphibian Managed Under Human Care. 精子质量指标显示在人类护理下管理的极度濒危两栖动物的年度波动。

IF 1.4 4区生物学

Zoo Biology Pub Date : 2025-09-01 Epub Date: 2025-07-10 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.70009

Allison R Julien, Isabella J Burger, Carrie K Kouba, Diane Barber

{"title":"Sperm Quality Metrics Exhibit Annual Fluctuations in a Critically Endangered Amphibian Managed Under Human Care.","authors":"Allison R Julien, Isabella J Burger, Carrie K Kouba, Diane Barber","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70009","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.70009","url":null,"abstract":"The Puerto Rican crested toad (Peltophyrne lemur [P. lemur]) is Puerto Rico's only endemic toad and has undergone rapid population decline within the last 40 years. As a hedge against extinction, captive assurance colonies have been established at several zoological institutions for breeding and reintroduction. However, reproductive output has remained low, despite the use of hormone therapies to attempt to bypass missing abiotic cues and stimulate reproductive behaviors. This low output necessitates a better understanding of natural fluctuations in gamete, specifically sperm, quality in captive individuals. To generate an understanding of natural gametic cycles in captive P. lemur, we administered male P. lemur (n = 86) housed under natural temperature and photoperiod cycles with exogenous hormones monthly for 1 year. Samples were analyzed for motility and concentration to assess variations in sperm quality by month. Spermiation was successfully stimulated every month, but quality fluctuated; sperm motility was highest in June and July, while sperm concentration was highest in December, January, and March. These results indicate that, while hormones can be utilized to stimulate gamete production in P. lemur year-round, sperm quality is not consistent. Furthermore, the seasonal occurrence of peak sperm production of captive males differed from natural peaks reported for wild P. lemur. Our results illustrate the need for more biologically informed strategies for breeding of at-risk anuran populations.","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"516-522"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144971980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Growth Rates and Sexual Size Dimorphism in Bothrops jararacussu in Captivity (Viperidae, Crotalinae). 圈养贾拉沙鼠的生长速率和性别大小二型性（蝮蛇科，刺蝽科）。

IF 1.4 4区生物学

Zoo Biology Pub Date : 2025-09-01 Epub Date: 2025-07-09 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.70003

Daniela Cristina Wilwert, Daniel Rodrigues Stuginski

{"title":"Growth Rates and Sexual Size Dimorphism in Bothrops jararacussu in Captivity (Viperidae, Crotalinae).","authors":"Daniela Cristina Wilwert, Daniel Rodrigues Stuginski","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70003","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.70003","url":null,"abstract":"Female-biased sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is the most widespread form of SSD in snakes and is often linked to increased female fecundity. Although the exact mechanisms underlying SSD development in snakes remain unclear, differences in growth rates between sexes are thought to be a primary driver. In this study, we tracked the growth rates of a litter of Bothrops jararacussu raised under a controlled environmental and feeding conditions. We compared the snout-vent length (SVL), mass, and specific growth rate indexes (LSG and MSG) between sexes over a 570-day period. At birth, both male and female snakes had the same SVL and mass, and their growth rates were similar during the first year. However, during the second year, male growth rates began to decline while female growth rates remained high, leading to the development of SSD. Notably, SSD emerged independently of food consumption and became statistically significant after males reached sexual maturation sizes. We suggest that the decrease in the male's growth rates was mediated by intrinsic factors, rather than energetic restriction. These findings contrast with those reported for male-biased SSD species and highlight the physiological strategies adopted by species evolving under different selective pressures.","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"474-479"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592409","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Environmental Parameters as Indicators of Bear Welfare. 作为熊类福利指标的环境参数。

IF 1.4 4区生物学

Zoo Biology Pub Date : 2025-09-01 Epub Date: 2025-07-14 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.70010

Anna Fourage, Chris R Shepherd, K A I Nekaris, Vincent Nijman

{"title":"Environmental Parameters as Indicators of Bear Welfare.","authors":"Anna Fourage, Chris R Shepherd, K A I Nekaris, Vincent Nijman","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70010","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.70010","url":null,"abstract":"Bears are commonly displayed in zoos worldwide. Historically, bears have been housed in poor conditions and even now can be found in inhumane bear pits despite an increased knowledge of animal welfare and husbandry practices. In many developing countries, regular and comprehensive welfare assessments are rarely conducted, especially if not required or enforced by regulatory bodies. A majority of zoos in these countries are also not members of zoo associations. To this end, we focused on evaluating bear exhibits in Thailand, a country with numerous zoos, weak regulations and enforcement pertaining to captive wildlife. We developed a simple assessment of front-of-house conditions using environmental parameters to evaluate whether zoos are providing appropriate enclosures as an indicator of welfare potential. We found 77 bears of four species on display in 37 exhibits in 17 zoos (6 accredited, 6 government and 5 private). Our results suggest that more than half of bears displayed in Thai zoos experience poor welfare in exhibits that do not meet basic standards. Overall, 49% of the 37 exhibits were below minimum size, with 54% having no vegetation and 62% having no enrichment. Accredited zoos had significantly better exhibits than government and private zoos. Our research highlights the need for the implementation of zoo standards, in addition to strengthened regulatory measures and enforcement regulating the care of captive wildlife in Thailand.","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"480-494"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12513127/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144627294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Examining Paternal Care in Captive Sumatran and Hybrid Orangutans. 圈养苏门答腊猩猩和杂交猩猩父系抚育的研究。

IF 1.4 4区生物学

Zoo Biology Pub Date : 2025-09-01 Epub Date: 2025-07-15 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.70012

Lilith A Frakes, Jessica A Mayhew, Patricia Ragan, Lori K Sheeran, Kara I Gabriel

{"title":"Examining Paternal Care in Captive Sumatran and Hybrid Orangutans.","authors":"Lilith A Frakes, Jessica A Mayhew, Patricia Ragan, Lori K Sheeran, Kara I Gabriel","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70012","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.70012","url":null,"abstract":"In the wild, orangutans live in an individual fission-fusion social system. This semi-isolated lifestyle means females are the sole caretakers of infants. However, recent social media posts from zoos and sanctuaries depict adult male orangutans engaging in behavior suggesting paternal involvement in offspring care. In captivity, orangutans are often housed socially, allowing fathers to interact with their offspring and raising the question of whether, and how, orangutans may potentially demonstrate paternal behavior. We examined interactions among immature offspring and their family groups in captive, hybrid (Pongo pygmaeus x abelii) and Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii). We conducted 168 focal follows on three immature orangutans from three separate family groups. Across all three locations, male orangutans engaged in direct paternal behaviors, such as playing, food-sharing, and contact, and indirect paternal behaviors such as proximity, tolerance, and defense. Immature orangutans at all three sites initiated significantly more interactions with their fathers than vice versa. Significant differences were also observed between the number of interactions initiated by offspring and those initiated by their fathers, suggesting that immatures drive interactions. These findings demonstrate that some captive male orangutans engage in paternal care of their offspring and, when given the opportunity, offspring take advantage of the presence of their fathers as partners in social interactions. This study emphasizes the importance of making observations across multiple contexts and group compositions to better understand the behavioral and social diversity of orangutans.","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"495-503"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12513122/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144638291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Impacts of Chopped Food on Primate Behavior Are Not Clear Cut. A Case Study on Zoo-Housed Ring-Tailed Lemurs. 切碎的食物对灵长类动物行为的影响尚不明确。动物园圈养环尾狐猴案例研究。

IF 1.4 4区生物学

Zoo Biology Pub Date : 2025-09-01 Epub Date: 2025-06-30 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.70001

Adam J George, Samuel Tull, Paul Rose

{"title":"Impacts of Chopped Food on Primate Behavior Are Not Clear Cut. A Case Study on Zoo-Housed Ring-Tailed Lemurs.","authors":"Adam J George, Samuel Tull, Paul Rose","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70001","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.70001","url":null,"abstract":"Measuring how food presentation influences behavior helps encourage practices that support natural foraging efforts for species housed in zoos. To test the effect of food presentation on a commonly housed zoo primate, observations of the behavior of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), housed at Tropiquaria Zoo in the UK, were undertaken to analyze how different food presentation conditions elicited variation in activity budgets, positive behavioral diversity, and performance of foraging behavior. Lemur behaviors were analyzed in relation to two food presentation conditions (chopped produce and whole produce) using a Shannon's Diversity Index (H-index) adapted for behavioral data. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to investigate whether factors including weather, temperature, and visitor presence had an impact on foraging behavior or if food presentation style was the most important factor. Higher rates of foraging and exploration (locomotion) were observed when lemurs were fed chopped food, whereas animals spent more time eating and performing maintenance behaviors when provided with whole food. There was no significant difference in calculated positive behavioral diversity between chopped and whole food. Food presentation style and weather conditions were important influences of time spent foraging, but temperature and visitor presence had no effect. Our findings show how other influencing factors, alongside of food presentation style, are likely to affect how zoo animals engage with, and ultimately consume, the diet they are offered. We suggest that providing zoo-housed lemurs with both chopped and whole food items is likely to promote a range of natural foraging behaviors and enhance overall animal welfare outputs.","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"442-452"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12513129/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144529953","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Diel Activity and Spatial Use of Zoo-Housed Juvenile Amazon Basin Emerald Treeboas (Corallus batesii). 动物园饲养的亚马逊盆地绿树幼树的昼夜活动和空间利用。

IF 1.4 4区生物学

Zoo Biology Pub Date : 2025-09-01 Epub Date: 2025-07-06 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.70000

Elizabeth L Haseltine, Jadyn M Sethna, Savannah M Tello Rodriguez, Sage D Babish

{"title":"Diel Activity and Spatial Use of Zoo-Housed Juvenile Amazon Basin Emerald Treeboas (Corallus batesii).","authors":"Elizabeth L Haseltine, Jadyn M Sethna, Savannah M Tello Rodriguez, Sage D Babish","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70000","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.70000","url":null,"abstract":"Studies on captive individuals are highly informative to behavior of animals that can be difficult to observe in the wild. The Amazon Basin emerald treeboa (Corallus batesii) is a prime example, being both arboreal and nocturnal. The current study aimed to document the basic behavior and foraging style of juvenile C. batesii in logistically simpler captive conditions, by creating an activity budget and analyzing location preferences. Individuals spent the majority of the observations (88.2%) stationary, with 41.8% of their time interpreted as resting postures and 24.3% as hunting postures. Data available on other Corallus spp. suggest that juveniles are relatively active foragers, adopting more ambush strategies later as adults. Thus, C. batesii appears to differ from its best-studied congeners in using a high proportion of ambush strategies as juveniles. Nevertheless, movements between ambush postures were evident and juvenile C. batesii may be better described as a mixed forager. Our results do not support recognizing the juveniles as active foragers as in juveniles of other Corallus spp. Juvenile C. batesii displayed preferences for spatial locations in both resting and foraging behaviors.","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"453-460"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144567848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Composition of White Rhinoceros Colostrum and Changes During Early Lactation to Mature Milk. 白犀牛初乳成分及泌乳早期至成熟乳的变化。

IF 1.4 4区生物学

Zoo Biology Pub Date : 2025-09-01 Epub Date: 2025-06-06 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21907

Gernot Osthoff, Arnold Hugo, Petronel Nieuwoudt

{"title":"Composition of White Rhinoceros Colostrum and Changes During Early Lactation to Mature Milk.","authors":"Gernot Osthoff, Arnold Hugo, Petronel Nieuwoudt","doi":"10.1002/zoo.21907","DOIUrl":"10.1002/zoo.21907","url":null,"abstract":"The proximate composition of milk from seven free-ranging white rhinoceroses during the first 20 days of lactation is reported with detailed analysis of minerals and fatty acids. The composition of colostrum (day 1) is marked by a high content of dry matter at 23.8 g/100 g milk, mainly consisting of 18.0 g/100 g proteins, 5.6 g/100 g lactose, 0.6 g/100 g fat, 0.7 g/100 ash and 0.2 g/100 g NPN. The major minerals consisted of 24.0 mg/100 g Na, 55.2 mg/100 g K, 33.4 mg/100 g Ca, 10.3 mg/100 g P, 10.1 mg/100 g Mg and 0.4 mg/100 g Zn. The gross energy was 123.2 kCal/100 g. On day 2 the dry matter decreased to 11.9 g/100 g, specifically the ash and protein, and an increase of lactose, Ca and P. The change from colostrum to milk was complete at day two and transitional changes continued to day 5. Changes up to twenty days were minimal with lactose as main component at 6.6 g/100 g, followed by 1.3 g/100 g protein, 1.0 g/100 g fat, 0.2 g/100 g ash, 0.1 g/100 g NPN, 5.6 mg/100 g Na, 15.0 mg/100 g K, 53.3 mg/100 g Ca, 19.9 mg/100 g P and a gross energy of 41.4 kCal/100 g. At days 3 and 4 of lactation the fat content of the rhinoceros milk peaked at 1.6 g/100 g milk. The milk fatty acid composition was characterized by a high saturated content of 68-82%. Capric-, lauric, myristic, and palmitic fatty acids were the major fatty acids, followed by oleic- and linoleic acids. Caprilic- and capric acid, as well as the sum of medium chain fatty acids content, steadily increased to stabilize after day 5. The Δ9-desaturase 16 and -18 indexes reached peak activity at days 2-3 of lactation.","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":"432-441"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12513126/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144235390","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Effects of Feeding Graded Levels of Gelatin Content on Growth, Feed Utilization and Health Status in Head-Started Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). 明胶饲喂分级水平对头棱皮龟生长、饲料利用和健康状况的影响

IF 1.4 4区生物学

Zoo Biology Pub Date : 2025-08-20 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.70013

Hirun Kanghae, Suthida Boonthong, Dato Simon Foong, Meechai Kaewsrithong, Nutt Nuntapong, Chompunut Sudjan, Boontika Intaring, Nedrangsee Chitrat, Surasak Saetang, Karun Thongprajukaew

{"title":"Effects of Feeding Graded Levels of Gelatin Content on Growth, Feed Utilization and Health Status in Head-Started Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea).","authors":"Hirun Kanghae, Suthida Boonthong, Dato Simon Foong, Meechai Kaewsrithong, Nutt Nuntapong, Chompunut Sudjan, Boontika Intaring, Nedrangsee Chitrat, Surasak Saetang, Karun Thongprajukaew","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70013","url":null,"abstract":"Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) have been successfully housed in captive conditions for over 1 year while receiving a gelatin-based artificial diet. However, the levels of gelatin in the feed formulations for this species were not optimized. Here, 2-month-old juvenile leatherback sea turtles (n = 3 per treatment, 393-394 g initial weight) were given feed formulations containing 2%, 4%, and 6% of gelatin by weight (designated 2G, 4G, and 6G, respectively). Survival, growth, and feed utilization of head-started leatherback sea turtles were monitored for 8 weeks. Nonlethal techniques were used to assess nutrient availability (fecal digestive enzyme activities and fecal thermal properties) and health status (carapace elemental composition and hematological parameters). No mortality was observed during the feeding trial of leatherback sea turtles. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) in growth and feed utilization were observed in the 4G and 6G groups. The quadratic polynomial equation predicts that the levels of dietary gelatin that promote growth and feed utilization were 4.53% (r = 0.8774, n = 9) and 4.77% (r = 0.9474, n = 9), respectively. Turtles in the 4G group had the highest activities of fecal pepsin and lipase (p < 0.05) while other digestive enzyme activities were maintained (trypsin, chymotrypsin, and amylase). Also, this group of turtles showed better nutrient bioavailability, as evidenced by the peaks and thermal characteristics observed in thermograms of fecal matter. No adverse effects of dietary gelatin were observed on carapace elemental composition and hematological parameters (p > 0.05). Findings from the current report provide a practical feed formulation for head-starting leatherback sea turtles, and for zoo or aquarium programs.","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144972005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Gut Microbiomes of Ex Situ African Painted Dogs (Lycaon pictus) Reflect Social Group and Variation in Dietary Whole Prey. 非原位非洲彩绘犬（Lycaon pictus）肠道微生物组反映了社会群体和膳食全猎物的变化。

IF 1.4 4区生物学

Zoo Biology Pub Date : 2025-08-14 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.70020

Sally L Bornbusch, Barbara A Henry, Madeleine Gagliano, Carly R Muletz-Wolz, Michael T Maslanka

{"title":"Gut Microbiomes of Ex Situ African Painted Dogs (Lycaon pictus) Reflect Social Group and Variation in Dietary Whole Prey.","authors":"Sally L Bornbusch, Barbara A Henry, Madeleine Gagliano, Carly R Muletz-Wolz, Michael T Maslanka","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70020","url":null,"abstract":"Understanding the factors that structure animal microbiomes across different species and environments is increasingly valuable to wildlife care and conservation efforts. Diet is a well-established driver of gut microbiome structure and function, and formulating nutritionally balanced diets is vital to ex situ animal care and management. Prebiotic dietary items can promote beneficial microbial communities in the guts of ex situ wildlife. Animal fibers (skin, hair, and connective tissue) can act as prebiotics for carnivores, influencing gut microbiome structure and function. Social interactions and differing environmental exposures can further shape animal microbiomes, with evidence of group and environmental signatures in the microbiomes of some social species. To test for respective patterns of diet and social group, we used 16S rRNA sequencing to track the gut microbiomes of two groups of African painted dogs (Lycaon pictus) housed at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. The diet of one group was shifted to include increased whole prey (e.g., rabbits), representing an uptick in animal fiber intake. We found that, despite both groups sharing a diverse set of core microbes, there were distinct group signatures in the dogs' microbiomes, a pattern that grew stronger over time. Furthermore, although the diversity of gut bacteria showed minimal variation between groups and over time, the overall microbial composition and the abundance of specific taxa varied significantly between groups and with increased dietary whole prey. The results of this study further demonstrate the value of zoo populations for understanding the factors that drive animal microbiome structure and highlight the influence of management decisions in shifting animal microbiomes.","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144849195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Increasing Intermammary Distance During Estrus in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). 宽吻海豚发情期间乳房间距离的增加。

IF 1.4 4区生物学

Zoo Biology Pub Date : 2025-08-14 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.70019

Yuki Oshima, Tomoko Mori, Koji Kanda

{"title":"Increasing Intermammary Distance During Estrus in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).","authors":"Yuki Oshima, Tomoko Mori, Koji Kanda","doi":"10.1002/zoo.70019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.70019","url":null,"abstract":"Cetaceans' mammary slits, situated bilaterally to the genital slit, have been identified as an instrumental metric for the quantitative assessment of alterations in genital morphology. Increase in the intermammary distance in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) associate modification of the genitalia, which occurs immediately before parturition. In certain mammalian taxa, estrus phase is characterized by conspicuous swelling of the external genitalia. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate potential fluctuations in the intermammary distance in bottlenose dolphins associated with the estrus with a specific focus on discerning morphological alterations occurring concurrently during estrus. The intermammary distance was meticulously measured across seven ovulation cycles in three female dolphins. The intermammary distance was significantly longer on estrus days than on nonestrus days (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the intermammary distance displayed notable positive correlation with serum estradiol concentrations. These results support the findings that alterations in the intermammary distance are closely associated with the estrus and are indicators of concurrent morphological modifications. Conversely, positive correlations between the intermammary distance and body weight in two subjects underscore the considerable influence of alterations in body shape. Quantification of the intermammary distance represents a promising noninvasive modality for detecting estrus in bottlenose dolphins.","PeriodicalId":24035,"journal":{"name":"Zoo Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144849196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0