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1 August 2006 THE EFFECT OF THE MALE BUSH DOG (SPEOTHOS VENATICUS) ON THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE
Karen E. DeMatteo, Ingrid J. Porton, Devra G. Kleiman, Cheryl S. Asa
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Abstract

In a 2-year study of the bush dog (Speothos venaticus), a small canid from Central and South America, we examined the reproductive physiology of mature females and the effect of male presence on the incidence and timing of ovulation. Fecal hormones, vulvar measurements, and mating behavior were used to characterize reproductive cycle dynamics. As described for all other canids, female bush dogs have an obligate pseudopregnancy after an infertile mating or ovulation without mating. However, the female cycle is not fixed to a single rigid breeding season each year, as in most canids. Unlike other canids, the presence of a male was associated with shortened interestrous intervals and increased number of estrous cycles. Examination of preliminary testosterone data from males showed a nonseasonal pattern suggesting that males have year-round, not seasonal, sperm production. The results from this study, including the validation of the noninvasive fecal hormone monitoring technique used, can provide managers of captive animals with tools for optimizing breeding potential of this species.

Karen E. DeMatteo, Ingrid J. Porton, Devra G. Kleiman, and Cheryl S. Asa "THE EFFECT OF THE MALE BUSH DOG (SPEOTHOS VENATICUS) ON THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE," Journal of Mammalogy 87(4), 723-732, (1 August 2006). https://doi.org/10.1644/05-MAMM-A-342R1.1
Accepted: 1 January 2006; Published: 1 August 2006
KEYWORDS
bush dog
interestrous interval
male effect
reproductive physiology
Speothos venaticus
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