Non-Invasive Pregnancy Diagnosis in Big Cats using the PGFM (13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF2α) Assay

PLoS One. 2015 Dec 3;10(12):e0143958. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143958. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

Non-invasive monitoring of hormones using feces has become a vital tool for reproductive management and reliable pregnancy diagnosis in big cats. Previous studies described the PGF2α metabolite (PGFM) as an indicator of pregnancy in various feline species. The present study aimed to standardize pregnancy detection in big cats like the tiger (Panthera tigris), jaguar (Panthera onca) and lion (Panthera leo) using fecal samples. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) were performed to identify PGFM in feces. An EIA developed against 9α,11α-dihydroxy-15-oxo-prost-5-en-1-oic acid-BSA was used to assay PGFM in fecal samples of the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion and jaguar. The PGFM levels increased after 9 weeks of pregnancy and remained elevated until parturition. All animals showed elevated levels of PGFM in the last trimester of pregnancy, thus making PGFM a reliable tool for pregnancy diagnosis during this period that can be useful in captive breeding programs in these species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Dinoprost / analogs & derivatives*
  • Dinoprost / analysis
  • Feces / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Panthera / physiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Tests / methods*
  • Pregnancy, Animal*

Substances

  • 15-keto-13,14-dihydroprostaglandin F2alpha
  • Dinoprost

Grants and funding

This study was funded by the Department of Science and Technology and Central Zoo Authority of India, Government of India. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.