Tracking Epidermal Cortisol and Oxytocin in Managed Bottlenose Dolphins as Potential Non-Invasive Physiological Welfare Indicators.

ABSTRACT: Growing concern over cetacean welfare has highlighted the need for rigorous, science-based assessment methods. Within this context, epidermal cortisol (ECC) and oxytocin (EOC) concentrations have emerged as potentially valuable physiological indicators. In this study, we first validated the analytical measurement of ECC and EOC in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) using AlphaLISA assays. Subsequently, weekly ECC and EOC levels were measured over an extended period in five managed dolphins and analyzed alongside aggregated environmental and welfare-related variables, using various time lags to account for delays between physiological activity and hormone deposition in the epidermis. ECC was negatively associated with mild weight loss and diazepam administration, exhibiting sea

SUBMITTER: Agusti C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12427215 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature