Faecal progesterone metabolite analysis for non-invasive monitoring of reproductive function in the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)

The two subspecies of white rhinoceros, southern (Ceratotherium simum simum) and northern (Ceratotherium simum cottoni), breed poorly in captivity, and estimates of oestrous cycle length vary considerably (range, 25–90 days). To characterise reproductive patterns, faecal samples were collected 2–3 times/week for up to 56 months from non-pregnant animals (n=21) of both subspecies. Immunoreactive pregnanes containing a 20-oxo-group (20-oxo-P) were analysed in a group-specific enzymeimmunoassay using an antibody against 5α-pregnane-3β-ol-20-one 3HS:BSA. Reproductive patterns were highly variable among and within individual animals. However, rhinoceroses could be classified into four major categories on the basis of oestrous cycle length and luteal phase 20-oxo-P concentrations: (1) regular oestrous cycles of 10 weeks duration and >800 ng/g (n=2 animals); (2) oestrous cycles between 4–10 weeks and 250–750 ng/g (n=6); (3) no apparent cycle regularity, but luteal activity indicated by 20-oxo-P concentrations of 100–200 ng/g (n=6); (4) no apparent luteal activity as indicated by 20-oxo-P of <100 ng/g (n=7). In two attempts to induce ovarian activity, chlormadinone acetate was fed daily to one animal for 35 and 45 days, respectively. Each treatment was followed by a subsequent hCG injection which resulted in luteal phases of 17 and 18 days, respectively, beginning about 10 days after hCG. Concentration of faecal 20-oxo-P in one pregnant animal during the 4th and 5th month of gestation were markedly higher than those observed during the luteal phase of the cycle. In conclusion, two thirds of white rhinoceroses in this study had erratic or missing luteal activity, whereas variable cycles of 4–10 weeks in length were evident in six females, and regular oestrous cycles of 10 weeks in length were found in two animals.