Monitoring the estrous cycle of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), using urinary estrogens.

The estrous cycle of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) was monitored by analysis of urinary estrogens. Daily morning urine samples were analyzed for estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and total immunoreactive estrogen (ET). The ET values were shown to correlate poorly with E1 and E2 values and failed to reveal any patterns of reproductive cycling. Daily E1 and E2 values, indexed by creatinine concentrations, demonstrated cyclic profiles in those samples of sufficient concentration. The technique offered a simple, noninvasive method of documenting ovarian function in the elephant.