Adiposity and Reproductive Cycling Status in Zoo African Elephants.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The majority of zoo African elephants exhibit abnormal reproductive cycles, but it is unclear why. Acyclicity has been positively associated with body condition scores. The objective of this study was to measure body composition and examine the relationship between adiposity and cyclicity status, mediated by glucose, insulin, leptin, and inflammation.

Methods

Body composition was assessed by deuterium dilution in 22 African elephants. Each elephant was weighed and given deuterated water orally (0.05 mL/kg), and blood was collected from the ear prior to and five times after deuterium administration. Glucose, insulin, leptin, and proinflammatory biomarker concentrations in serum were determined.

Results

Body fat percentage ranged from 5.24% to 15.97%. Fat adju

SUBMITTER: Chusyd DE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5744898 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature