Vaginal Smear and Neutrophil Count as an Alternative Method for Estrous Phase in Female Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae, Pocock, 1929)

Detection of the estrous cycle is essential for basic reproductive aspects in all animals. Both natural mating and assisted reproductive techniques require estrous detection for breeding programs which will assist to maintain the tiger population in captivity. This research aims to explore alternative methods for tiger conservation in the remote area. Vaginal smear and neutrophil count were used to determine the phase of estrous cycle, and it easily applied on the field. Vaginal smears and blood smears were collected twice within interval 6 months n a female tiger at Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation Rescue Centre. While tiger was restrained mechanically, blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vein and the vaginal smears were collected intravaginal. All procedure followed the animal welfare protocol. Vaginal smears were stained by 10% Giemsa. Basal/parabasal, intermediate, and superficial/cornified cells were identified to determine the reproductive periods under the microscope. Blood smears were stained by Giemsa-Wright. Neutrophils were counted within 200 white blood cells count under the microscope. The result showed that female tiger was in the follicular phase and neutrophil count was 78 cells at the 1 sample collection. The 2 sample collection resulted in luteal phase with 55 neutrophils count. This research suggests vaginal smear and neutrophil count can be used as an alternative method of tiger estrous phase detection. In addition, these methods have economical and practical value.