 Reference Base  Research into the possible reasons for a lack of ovarian ... |
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Taylor, M., 1998. Research into the possible reasons for a lack of ovarian cycling in an 18 year old female white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum)(work in progress). EEP Research Group Newsletter 5: 5-6
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| Location: |
Captive - Europe |
| Subject: |
Reproduction |
| Species: |
White Rhino |
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Paignton Zoo. An 18 year old female in Paignton Zoo was unable to undergo regular patterns of oestrous cycling. She used to cycle, but through urinary steroid analysis, she was known to have stopped. Possible reasons were (1) development of a physical problem; (2) nutritional deficiency; (3) chronic stress due to 2:1 situation, (4) lack of social signals or sensory input from not mixing with other females. The last possibility was investigated. Urine from other females was introduced in the enclosure. This seems to have mimicked the effect of placing other animals in the vicinity, at least with respect to behavioural responses to the scent. A physical response could result.
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