IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Newell-Fugate, A.; Kennedy-Stoskopf, S.; Brown, J.L.; Levine, J.F.; Swanson, W.F. | |
| Seminal and endocrine characteristics of male Pallas' cats maintained under artificial lighting with simulated natural photoperiods | |
| 2007 Zoo Biology (26): 187-199 | |
Pallas' cats (Otocolobus manul) have a pronounced reproductive seasonality controlled by photoperiod. Previous studies of reproduction in captive Pallas' cats exposed to natural light showed a breeding season of December-April. This study evaluated the impact of artificial lighting timed to simulate natural photoperiods on male reproductive seasonality of four Pallas' cats housed indoors. Semen evaluation, blood collection, and body weight measurements were conducted every 1-2 months from November 2000-June 2001. Fecal samples were collected from each male twice weekly to assess testosterone and corticoid concentrations. Mean values for reproductive traits (sperm attributes, testicular volume) were highest from February-April, the defined breeding season. Fecal testosterone concentrations were highest from mid-January to mid-March. Male Pallas' cats managed indoors under simulated photoperiods experienced a delayed onset of the breeding season by 1-2 months and a decreased length of the breeding season. |
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