Fecal Pregnanediol Glucuroinide and Serum Progesterone Patterns for Ovarian Function Assessment of Javan Gibbons (Hylobates moloch)

Abstract

Pregnanediol glucuronide (PdG) in feces and serum progesterone (P ) were analyzed for determining 4 ovarian cycle as well as to evaluate ovarian function of captive-housed Javan Gibbon (Hylobates moloch). A total of four females Javan Gibbons maintained in single-typed cage at Ragunan Zoo (Owa1 and Owa2) and in pairing-typed cage at Taman Margasatwa Taman Sari, Bandung (Owa3 and Owa4) were used in this research. Fecal and serum samples were collected twice a week throughout 3-months period. Following methanolic extraction of lyophilized fecal powder, samples were analyzed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for PdG as well as for P . Results indicated that the two females in pairing-typed cage did not show any 4 regular cycle whereas the other two females in single-typed cage showed distinct pattern reflecting cyclicity. Fecal PdG concentrations were ranged between 0.56-4.95 ug/mg DW while the levels of serum P were ranged 4 between 0.09-15.92 ng/ml for all females. The length of the cycle obtained was ranged between 24 and 29 days which comprised of 14-15 days of follicular phase and 10-14 days of luteal phase. The time lag between serum P and PdG excretion was estimated about 6 days.