How genetic data improve the interpretation of results of faecal glucocorticoid metabolite measurements in a free-living population.

ABSTRACT: Measurement of glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM) in faeces has become a widely used and effective tool for evaluating the amount of stress experienced by animals. However, the potential sampling bias resulting from an oversampling of individuals when collecting "anonymous" (unknown sex or individual) faeces has rarely been investigated. We used non-invasive genetic sampling (NIGS) to investigate potential interpretation errors of GCM measurements in a free-living population of mountain hares during the mating and post-reproductive periods. Genetic data improved the interpretation of results of faecal GCM measurements. In general GCM concentrations were influenced by season. However, genetic information revealed that it was sex-dependent. Within the mating period, females had higher GCM leve

SUBMITTER: Rehnus M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5568376 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature