The Relation of Fecal Hormone Concentration and Reproductive Behavior of Captive Red Deer
From September to October in 2003 and Four to July in 2004, we examined relation of hormone content in feces and reproductive behaviors of captive Red Deer (Cervus elaphus songaricus)in Lubao Deer Farm, Yulin Town, Lanxi County, Heilongjiang Province. We observed the reproductive behavior and examined the content of steroids, testosterone in male feces and, progesterone, estradiol and estriol in female feces by using non-invasive method and radiate immunity analysis ( RIA) . We found the frequency of sexual behavior of female was higher in September ( P < 0.01), and the maternal behavior appeared in June after the young born. Frequency of sniffing and licking calf behaviors had a peak value in June. Calling calf behavior also peaked in June. Higher nursing behavior occurred in June and July, and abnormal nursing and receiving nursing behavior also found. A highest frequency of breeding behavior showed by male, such as sniff urine, flehmen, urine spraying, gland marking, bellowing and hoofing turf was detected in September and October. Antler decoration and fighting behavior were observed mostly in June than any in other months. The behavior of mounting and agitating water happened more often in September and October. The fecal hormone concentration was positive related with the reproductive behaviors of males, however, no significant relations were detected between the fecal female hormone concentrations and the breeding behaviors except for nursing behavior and unusual receiving nurse behavior.
Red DeerCaptive populationSexual hormoneBreeding behavior
NETL
NSTL
万方数据
维普
