Case series: effects of an induced molting protocol using levothyroxine in five captive banded penguins (genus <i>Spheniscus</i>).

ABSTRACT: Penguin molts occur annually after breeding, allowing effective waterproofing and temperature regulation. However, aberrant molts frequently occur in penguins, which can lead to health problems if prolonged. Although the exact mechanisms underlying molting in birds remain unclear, some studies have focused on the roles of thyroid and sex hormones in penguins. Previous studies on forced molting using hormonal treatments have shown both success and failure. In particular, the use of synthetic thyroxine (levothyroxine) has mostly not been successful. This study aimed to induce molting by administering commercial levothyroxine to one Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) and four African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) with abnormal molting, housed in aquaria. The planned levoth

SUBMITTER: Park JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12458642 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature