Hesterman H, Jones S M
Comparative Endocrinology Research Group, School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 5, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.
Anim Reprod Sci. 2009 Jun;112(3-4):334-46. doi: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.05.071. Epub 2008 May 27.
Improved knowledge of the breeding biology of carnivorous marsupials is warranted given their heightened conservation status. Past studies have focused on smaller dasyurids and little is known of male reproductive physiology in the larger species. This study aimed to characterize the pattern of androgen concentrations in male devils and spotted-tailed quolls and to evaluate fecal steroid measurement as a practical, alternative technique for monitoring reproductive activity. Blood and fecal samples were collected from captive adult devils (n=6) and adult quolls (n=8). Plasma and fecal androgen concentrations were significantly positively correlated. In both species there was a significant effect of season on androgen concentrations; and the annual increase preceded female estrus activity. For devils, fecal androgens were elevated during the austral summer: peak concentrations were observed in January-February, and copulation occurred from late February-late May. In quolls, fecal androgen concentrations were highest during austral autumn/winter: the annual increase began in April and copulation occurred from mid-May to early October. The lengthy period of elevated plasma and fecal androgens and protracted annual period of mating activity implies a period of extended spermatogenesis in both species.
鉴于食肉有袋动物的保护地位日益提高，有必要提高对其繁殖生物学的认识。过去的研究主要集中在较小的袋鼬科动物上，对于较大物种的雄性生殖生理学知之甚少。本研究旨在描述雄性袋獾和斑尾袋鼬雄激素浓度的模式，并评估粪便类固醇测量作为监测生殖活动的一种实用替代技术。从圈养的成年袋獾（n = 6）和成年袋鼬（n = 8）中采集血液和粪便样本。血浆和粪便中的雄激素浓度呈显著正相关。在这两个物种中，季节对雄激素浓度都有显著影响；每年雄激素浓度的增加先于雌性发情活动。对于袋獾来说，在澳大利亚夏季，粪便中的雄激素水平会升高：1月至2月观察到峰值浓度，交配发生在2月下旬至5月下旬。对于袋鼬来说，粪便雄激素浓度在澳大利亚秋冬季节最高：每年的增加始于4月，交配发生在5月中旬至10月初。血浆和粪便中雄激素水平升高的时间较长，以及每年交配活动持续的时间较长，这意味着这两个物种都有一段延长的精子发生期。
