Change in oestradiol-17 beta content and behaviors in female cheetahs Acinonyx jubatus in response to changes in captivity conditions

• Published in: Honyūrui kagaku Vol. 54; no. 2; pp. 257 - 264
• Main Authors: Imon, Saori, Adachi, Itsuki, Kusuda, Satoshi, Taniguchi, Atushi, Karasawa, Mizuki, Kondo, Natuko, Shimizu, Taisuke, Nomoto, Kanji, Sasaki, Yuta, Ito, Takeaki, Doi, Osamu, Ando, Motokazu, Sasaki, Takeshi, Ogawa, Hiroshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2015
• Subjects: Acinonyx jubatus
• ISSN: 0385-437X; 1881-526X

In this study, we observed the behavior and measured fecal oestradiol-17 beta content in four captive females. To investigate the influence of voice and odor of other cheetahs on the behavior and physiology of females, a group of cheetahs was released daily, one at a time, alternatively into an outdoor enclosure. Changing to the release of one male and one female, from the release of two females at a time, was associated with an increase in the oestradiol-17 beta content and behavior in female cheetahs. We divided the period by the presence or absence of nursing individuals to investigate the reproductive status of a female or the effect of one estrous female on another. When nursing females were kept in the same institution both behavior and oestradiol-17 beta level of other females increased. When nursing cheetahs weren't kept in the same institution, the behavior of other females showed random fluctuations, and oestradiol-17 beta became inactive. We suggest that the estrous condition of a female cheetah is induced by the olfactory contact with males. Moreover, the presence of a pregnant or nursing female in the same institution may also influence the physiology and behavior of other females in the same institution.