ABSTRACT
The non-invasive faecal sampling and RIA was used to measure faecal equivalents of testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), oestradiol-17beta (E2) and progesterone (P4) in juvenile and adult great bustard males. Possible connections of diurnal and seasonal changes of sexual steroid levels and display activity were studied. Correlations were found between sexual steroid equivalent levels of faeces and display activity and agonistic behaviour in the different phases of annual cycle of adult males. In early display period increasing levels of androgens were measured, during main display period very high androgen dominance was observable against E2 and P4. During postnuptial moult strong T decrease and DHEA and P4 increase were detected. Elevation of E2 was measured during wintering. In juveniles level of DHEA was higher than level of T suggesting its importance in immature males. Decrease of T was detected between reproductive period and postnuptial moult and DHEA between reproduction and wintering, accompanying with E2 elevation. The inhibiting effect of inclement weather on gonad functions also was detected in our study. We suppose that the unexpected cold weather with strong wind depressed the levels of androgens both in juveniles and adults and the increase of faecal E2 was also detected.
Subject(s)
Birds/physiology , Estradiol/analysis , Feces/chemistry , Progesterone/analysis , Sexual Behavior, Animal , Testosterone/analysis , Animals , Breeding , Dehydroepiandrosterone/analysis , Female , Male , Posture , Radioimmunoassay , Reproduction , SeasonsABSTRACT
Intestinal passage time of coloured fodder and testosterone turnover were examined by faecal steroid analysis in mallards in the reproductive and postrefractory period. In the latter, the discharge of coloured fodder began 36 minutes after ingestion in males, and 56 minutes in females. During reproduction the discharge began 93 minutes and 112 minutes after ingestion in males and females, respectively. Total passage time was similar in the reproductive and postrefractory period in both sexes. After intraperitoneal testosterone injection, faecal samples were collected for 8 hours and testosterone levels were measured using RIA. In the postrefractory period, 1-2 hours after testosterone loading a strong increase of faecal testosterone content developed in males, meanwhile a slighter testosterone peak appeared in females. During reproduction testosterone excretion began 1.5-2 hours after injection in both sexes but in females its increase was smaller. The duration of response to testosterone loading was 5 hours in both periods and both sexes. Intensive excretion after T loading appeared earlier in males than in females, but total passage time finished at the same time: 5 hours after loading. The character of testosterone excretion was corresponding to the passage of fodder-chimus-faeces in the reproductive and postrefractory period in both sexes.
Subject(s)
Defecation , Ducks/metabolism , Feces/chemistry , Testosterone/administration & dosage , Testosterone/analysis , Animals , Female , Gastrointestinal Motility , Male , Radioimmunoassay , Reproduction , Seasons , Sex Characteristics , Sexual Behavior, Animal , Time FactorsABSTRACT
After oral- and maxillo-facial surgical interventions both Apranax and Cataflam proved to be satisfying against pain. Though there is no difference in the kinetics of the effect, we found Apranax more effective to relieve postoperative pain. Besides the fast elimination of pain the medicine significantly mitigate the symptoms of inflammation.
