A Case Study: Fecal Corticosteroid and Behavior as Indicators of Welfare During Relocation of an Asian Elephant

@article{Laws2007ACS,
  title={A Case Study: Fecal Corticosteroid and Behavior as Indicators of Welfare During Relocation of an Asian Elephant},
  author={Nicole Laws and Andr{\'e} Ganswindt and Michael Heistermann and Moira Harris and Stephen Harris and Chris Sherwin},
  journal={Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science},
  year={2007},
  volume={10},
  pages={349 - 358}
}
This study was a preliminary investigation of an enzyme immunoassay for measuring fecal glucocorticoid metabolites in a male Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) by investigating changes in behavior and cortisol metabolite excretion associated with a putative stressful event. The study collected fecal samples for 10 days prior to, and 10 days after, 24-hr transport and relocation of the elephant to a new herd. The study measured cortisol metabolites using 2 enzyme immunoassays indicating a 389% and… 
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55 Citations

Response to long-distance relocation in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus): monitoring adrenocortical activity via serum, urine, and feces
TLDR
There was a positive correlation between baseline FGM value and duration of post-transfer increase in FGM concentration, and an individual's adrenocortical response to relocation was correlated with behavioral traits of elephants.
Individual and environmental risk factors associated with fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in zoo-housed Asian and African elephants
TLDR
Results indicate that African elephants are more responsive to social stressors than Asians, and that poor joint health is a stress-related welfare problem for Asian, but not African elephants in the North American population.
A Longitudinal Study of Hematology and Stress Biomarker Profiles in Young Asian Elephants (Elephas Maximus) in Relation to Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) in Thailand
TLDR
Blood hematology changes were associated with EEHV infection, while preliminary data in one calf suggests that stress-response measures might also be informative and warrant further investigation.
Endocrine Correlates of Musth in Free-Ranging Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) Determined by Non-Invasive Faecal Steroid Hormone Metabolite Measurements
TLDR
This study is the first assessment of testicular and adrenocortical function in free-ranging male Asian elephants by measuring levels of testosterone (androgen) and cortisol (glucocorticoid – a physiological indicator of stress) metabolites in faeces.
Management factors affecting adrenal glucocorticoid activity of tourist camp elephants in Thailand and implications for elephant welfare
TLDR
Assessing adrenal activity via monitoring of FGM concentrations can provide important information on factors affecting the well-being of elephants, and suggest that more naturalistic housing conditions and providing opportunities to exercise may be good for elephants under human care in Thailand.
Diurnal variation of salivary cortisol in captive African elephants (Loxodonta africana) under routine management conditions and in relation to a translocation event.
TLDR
The findings indicate that stressors may disturb the diurnal cortisol rhythm in captive African elephants and that salivary cortisol is a useful minimally invasive measure of physiological stress in the African elephant.
Effects of physiological changes and social life events on adrenal glucocorticoid activity in female zoo-housed Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)
TLDR
The elephants in this study exhibited substantial individuality in adrenal GC response to major social change, reinforcing the need to assess welfare on an individual basis and to consider factors influencing the impact of perceived stressors, such as social relationships, social support, temperament, and life history.
Determining adrenocortical activity as a measure of stress in African elephants (Loxodonta africana) in relation to human activities in Serengeti ecosystem
African elephants (Loxodonta africana) play a vital role in most African ecosystems, with their opportunity to alter the entire ecosystem by their sheer numbers. Defining and measuring animal welfare…
Impact of Zoo Visitors on the Fecal Cortisol Levels and Behavior of an Endangered Species: Indian Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra L.)
TLDR
The results of the study suggest that zoo visitor density affected behavior and adrenocortical secretion in Indian Blackbuck, and this may indicate an animal welfare problem.
Urinary corticosteroid excretion patterns in the okapi (Okapia johnstoni).
TLDR
A significant circadian pattern in urinary corticosteroid was apparent independent of individual or gender, with cortisol rising during the daylight hours and decreasing again at night.
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