Differences of Hormone Concentrations and Dynamics between Rectal and Cecal Feces of Captive Svalbard Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperboreus)

Abstract

The concentration and dynamics of estradiol-17β (E ₂), progesterone (P₄) and testosterone (T) in rectal and cecal feces were evaluated in captive Svalbard rock ptarmigans (Lagopus muta hyperboreus). The dynamics of E₂, P₄ and T were parallel between in rectal and cecal feces, and there were positive correlation described by correlation coefficient r＝ 0.63, 0.24 and 0.61, respectively. The E₂, P₄ and T in cecal feces showed average of 5.36, 4.54 and 10.80 time higher concentrations than that in rectal feces. These results suggest that fecal type for monitoring of endocrinological profile in this species has to be decided between the rectal and cecal feces.