North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA,
J Zoo Wildl Med. 2021 Apr;52(1):315-319. doi: 10.1638/2019-0179.
The unique reproductive and energetic features of lesser hedgehog tenrecs () have been intensively studied in the field and within laboratory settings, but information on their propagation in zoological settings is limited. Based on a survey sent to zoological institutions currently housing reproductively active lesser hedgehog tenrecs in North America, this study reports on husbandry, veterinary practices, and demographics of reproducing lesser hedgehog tenrecs and their offspring. All 14 zoological institutions in the Lesser Hedgehog Tenrec Species Survival Plan who bred tenrecs within the last 12 years responded to the online survey. Provision of a nest box, nesting material, and a diet consisting of a commercial insectivore diet, insects, and produce was found in the majority of institutions, in addition to the practice of separating the breeding male and female before parturition. From the 24 dams representing 39 pregnancies and 158 young included in this study, the median calculated litter size was four young per litter. The median age of primiparity was 2.25 yr, and the oldest female to reproduce successfully was 10 yr old. The young had an overall rate of survival to weaning of 83%. A maternal complication rate of 26% and maternal mortality rate of 5% highlights the importance of veterinary care in periparturient dams, especially for detection and treatment of dystocia. These data provide guidance to zoological institutions breeding lesser hedgehog tenrecs.
小型刺尻鱼的独特生殖和能量特征在野外和实验室环境中都得到了深入研究，但关于它们在动物园环境中的繁殖情况的信息有限。本研究基于一项针对目前在北美饲养生殖活跃的小型刺尻鱼的动物园机构的调查，报告了繁殖小型刺尻鱼及其后代的饲养、兽医实践和人口统计学情况。在过去 12 年内繁殖过刺尻鱼的小型刺尻鱼物种生存计划中的 14 家动物园机构都对在线调查做出了回应。除了在分娩前将繁殖的雌雄分开的做法外，大多数机构都提供了巢箱、筑巢材料以及由商业食虫动物饲料、昆虫和农产品组成的饮食。在这项研究中，有 24 只母鼠代表 39 次怀孕和 158 只幼鼠，计算得出的平均窝产仔数为每窝 4 只幼仔。初产的平均年龄为 2.25 岁，成功繁殖的最年长的母鼠为 10 岁。幼鼠的整体断奶存活率为 83%。母鼠并发症发生率为 26%，母鼠死亡率为 5%，这突出了围产期母鼠兽医护理的重要性，尤其是对难产的检测和治疗。这些数据为饲养小型刺尻鱼的动物园机构提供了指导。
