Abstract:Non-invasive endocrine monitoring in urine samples: a preferential method for assessing chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) reproductive physiology and welfare.

PONZIO M.F.,; BUSSO J.M.; RUIZ R.D,; FIOL DE CUNEO M

ALTEX-ALTERNATIVEN ZU TIEREXPERIMENTEN

SPEKTRUM AKAD VERLAG

Año: 2009 vol. 26 p. 70 - 80

0946-7785

The chinchilla, a South American hystricomorph rodent, possesses one of the most valuable pelts in the world. Intensive hunting for fur placed the species at the brink of extinction and today is included in the Appendix I of CITES. Although native chinchilla are extremely rare, a hybrid produced by cross-breeding the two chinchilla taxa has been domesticated and selected for superior fur production for more than 80 years. Despite its biological and economic importance, little scientific information is available about this species reproductive physiology and welfare in captive conditions. Physiological measures of these aspects have typically relied upon the evaluation of steroid hormones in serum or plasma. However, attempts to obtain repeated blood samples from chinchilla were unsuccessful because of small vein size and their stress-susceptible nature. Non-invasive techniques could permit long-term endocrine monitoring while avoiding animal suffering and the stress-evoking stimuli of restraint, translocation and repeated venipuncture. With this in mind, the objectives of our studies were to demonstrate the validity and accuracy of urinary steroid metabolites quantifications for studying different aspects of the chinchilla reproductive biology and welfare in captive conditions. Using those methods, we were able to establish (i.e) the endocrine profile of female pregnancy and post-partum oestrus as well as the relationship between abnormal repetitive behaviours (fur-chewing) and physiological stress developed in captive populations. An improved understanding of these aspects will undoubtedly help animal managers to develop more effective captive breeding programs for both domestic and wild chinchillas.