Fecal Progesterone Analysis by Time-Resolved Fluoroimmunoassay (TR-FIA) for Monitoring of Luteal Function in the Sika Doe (Cervus nippon centralis)

Abstract

Fecal progesterone content was measured by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TR-FIA) in the sika doe (Cervus nippon). The total recovery rate of fecal progesterone by twice extraction with diethylether was about 60%. The displacement curve of TR-FIA with serial doses of fecal extract (0.156-5.0 mg feces) was closely parallel to that of the reference standard. Fecal progesterone content was correlated with that of plasma (r=0.829, n=16), but the values were 100-fold higher in feces than in plasma. Fecal progesterone content periodically changed during the breeding season suggesting the estrous cycle in the doe. The fecal progesterone content was higher between the estruses, and decreased after estrus. The time between the onset of estrous signs and the lowest fecal progesterone content was 1-2 days suggesting the time required for hepatic metabolism and intestinal passage. Fecal progesterone content was also decreased around the time of vaginal discharge. The discharge took place within a few days, suggesting a short luteal phase. Not of all decreases in fecal progesterone values were preceded by estrous behavior or vaginal discharge. Fecal progesterone content was further increased in pregnancy rather than in the preceding estrous cycle and the levels were maintained up to term. These results suggest that fecal progesterone measurement is a useful tool for non-invasive analysis of luteal function in the sika doe. The TR-FIA kit, designed for the human hospital market, was shown to be successfully utilized for fecal assay in the sika doe with minor modifications.